ABC Sues FCC Over Challenge to Its Broadcast Licenses, Saying Actions Present 'Existential Threat'
The FCC launched a review in April of 8 ABC local broadcast licenses well before they expire.
Aug. 18, 2026 (AP) – Further escalating its battle with the Trump administration, ABC on Tuesday took the rare step of suing the Federal Communications Commission on First Amendment grounds, saying the agency's demand for early review of broadcast licenses posed an “existential threat” to its operations.
In the lawsuit, ABC, its parent company Disney and the eight local stations whose licenses are affected asked a federal court to stop the early renewal proceedings.
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