Full Breakdown
FCC Opens Early Review of ABC Broadcast Licenses Amid Partisan Bias Petitions
6/30/2026, 9:51:57 PM
Core Event: Early FCC Review of Eight ABC Licenses
The FCC has opened an early renewal review of eight Disney-owned ABC broadcast licenses covering stations in New York, Los Angeles and Chicago. The action follows a Media Research Center (MRC) petition accusing ABC of systematic partisan bias and misinformation.
Background & Context: Renewal Process and DEI Probe
Under federal law the FCC must determine whether a broadcaster serves the public interest before renewing a license. Chairman Brendan Carr accelerated the process a year early, citing ABC’s alleged non-cooperation with an FCC probe into Disney’s diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) policies.
Key Figures & Groups
Key actors include MRC President David Bozell, the Center for American Rights, FCC Chairman Brendan Carr and spokesperson, ABC/Disney, and the Trump administration, which has publicly criticized Jimmy Kimmel.
Data & Statistics
The FCC is reviewing eight licenses covering New York, Los Angeles and Chicago. MRC says *Jimmy Kimmel Live!* features predominantly left-leaning guests and that *The View* has avoided Republican guests, including former President Trump. ABC previously paid $16 million to settle a Trump defamation suit.
Official Statements & Responses
MRC says ABC “operates like a partisan cable network” and should lose its broadcast privileges. An FCC spokesperson stressed that “broadcast licenses are not sacred cows” and affirmed the commission will assess ABC’s public-interest compliance. ABC called the review “an effort to suppress speech under the guise of bureaucratic process” and launched a viewer campaign for renewal.
Criticism & Opposition
The MRC petition cites positive coverage of former Vice President Kamala Harris, negative framing of Donald Trump, minimal reporting on the Hunter Biden laptop, scant follow-up on the Jussie Smollett hoax, and commentary that seemed to excuse political violence after activist Charlie Kirk’s killing. ABC dismisses these claims as attacks on protected speech.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
No FCC decision is public, and the sources offer no independent verification; all cited reports are from right-leaning outlets.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We finally have an FCC willing to hold Disney and ABC accountable. Broadcast licenses are a privilege, not an entitlement. In exchange for free use of the public airwaves, broadcasters agree to serve the public interest,” — David Bozell, President, Media Research Center
- “Broadcast licenses are not sacred cows,” — FCC spokesperson
- “When a broadcaster files an application to renew their FCC licenses, Congress has tasked the FCC with determining whether the broadcaster has served the public interest. That is exactly what the FCC will do here.” — FCC spokesperson
- “an effort to suppress speech under the guise of bureaucratic process.” — ABC spokesperson
What’s Next
The FCC’s pending ruling could strip ABC of broadcast privileges in the three markets or impose conditions tied to the DEI probe. ABC’s campaign for renewal continues as the commission prepares its decision.
