FCC Forces Early License Renewal for ABC’s Local Stations Amid Political Tensions

The FCC ordered in late April 2026 that Disney’s ABC file early renewal applications for its eight local TV stations. A pleading window runs until 29 June, allowing parties to petition to deny the renewals before the commission decides on hearings or an administrative law judge.

The Guardian

FCC Chair Brendan Carr says the directive stems from a probe of Disney’s diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) practices. It followed President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump urging ABC to cancel Jimmy Kimmel’s late-night show, a request critics called politically motivated. ABC’s 18-page memo claims the DEI probe is a pretext to punish broadcaster.

Raw Story

Key participants are FCC Chair Brendan Carr; FCC counselor Gigi Sohn, who denounces the order; Daniel Suhr, Center for American Rights president filing a petition; Andrew Schwartzman; Paul Clement, representing ABC; and ABC, which runs eight stations and *The View*.

Raw Story

• Eight local television stations are subject to the renewal order.

The Guardian

• Some licenses do not expire until 2031.

The Guardian

• The FCC’s separate enforcement action examines *The View* for a possible equal-time rule breach.

The Guardian

FCC Chair Brendan Carr says the directive is based on the DEI investigation, not political pressure. ABC argues the order “demonstrates the unlawful Order’s punitive intent” and that the timetable offers no viable path to a favorable outcome before 2031 expirations. FCC rejected Trump administration’s claim that its lobbying influenced the decision.

The Guardian

Legal scholars and advocates call the order an unprecedented attack on a broadcaster. Gigi Sohn warned it could “discourage corporate diversity initiatives” and create pressure based on politics rather than communications-law standards. Daniel Suhr’s Center for American Rights filed a petition citing prior complaints about ABC’s handling of a 2024 presidential debate and alleged partisan use of the Kimmel program. Commenters have questioned *The View*’s news-program status, underscoring concerns about selective enforcement.

The Guardian

• “Is this open season on ABC? Without a doubt,” — Gigi Sohn, former FCC counselor

The Guardian

• “It’s a license renewal, and so any issues dealing with the license are fair game, and we’ve had a number of pending complaints and concerns about ABC,” — Daniel Suhr, Center for American Rights

The Guardian

• “This is entirely about attacking ABC,” — Gigi Sohn, former FCC counselor

The Guardian

• “In sum, there is no procedural path for this proceeding to terminate favorably for the Station, which demonstrates the unlawful Order’s punitive intent and the harms flowing directly from it,” — ABC, filing memorandum

The Guardian

The FCC will review petitions and comments before deciding on hearings or referral to an administrative law judge. An adverse ruling could be appealed to the D.C. Circuit, extending the dispute for two to three years. The equal-time probe of *The View* remains open for comment until 22 June, and its outcome may affect the license-renewal process.

The Guardian