Disney's ABC License Battle: FCC and Watchdogs Eye Settlement Risks
By Editor • September 4, 2026 • 1 min read
The ongoing legal tussle between Disney and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has escalated, with the FCC requesting a court to dismiss Disney's lawsuit. The outcome of this proceeding could potentially affect ABC's broadcast licenses.
Disney's legal action, initiated on August 18, alleges that the FCC is engaging in a 'campaign of censorship' aimed at ABC due to President Trump's discontent with the network's coverage. As the case unfolds, two advocacy groups, along with individual ABC viewers, are seeking to intervene, expressing concerns that Disney may settle with the FCC in a manner that could compromise public interest.
Disney has opposed these intervention efforts, and a judge will soon determine if the watchdog groups and viewers will have a role in the proceedings. Meanwhile, Trump continues to vocalize his grievances against the media, recently urging the FCC to reprimand an NBC journalist over critical coverage of his endorsement record.
Source: arstechnica.com
