Disney Takes Legal Action Against FCC: What’s Really at Stake?

The Walt Disney Company and its ABC television unit have sued the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), accusing the agency of trying to punish the network for programming and journalism opposed by President Donald Trump.

The lawsuit, filed in federal court in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday, asks a judge to block an early FCC review of the broadcast licenses held by eight Disney-owned ABC stations. Disney alleges that the administration, acting through the commission, has pursued a “retaliatory campaign” against ABC because it disapproves of what the network broadcasts.

The dispute places Disney alongside a series of media organizations and journalists that have challenged Trump, his administration, or lawsuits he filed against them. Some secured permanent dismissals or appellate victories, while others obtained preliminary orders that temporarily blocked the government’s actions.