ACLU Seeks FCC Records Over Early License Renewal Order for ABC Stations

On April 28 the Federal Communications Commission’s Media Bureau is scheduled to issue an order requiring Disney to file broadcast-license renewals for its eight owned-and-operated ABC stations within 30 days, far ahead of the normal 2028-2031 renewal window. The ACLU filed a Freedom of Information Act request on the same day, asking for internal communications that might reveal the agency’s motivation.

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The FCC’s move follows a series of public criticisms of ABC by President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump. On April 23 the couple denounced a Jimmy Kimmel joke about the First Lady. Earlier, in September 2026 FCC Chairman Brendan Carr threatened to investigate ABC affiliates unless Kimmel’s show was removed. The agency also issued a “reminder” on May 28 that broadcast licenses are a “privilege” dependent on serving the public interest, echoing the President’s calls for revoking licenses of outlets he deems unfavorable.

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The ACLU argues the FCC’s stated rationale is a pretext for punishing ABC because the Trump Administration dislikes the network’s on-air commentary. The organization contends the order is intended to send a warning to other broadcasters that airing content the Administration disapproves of could trigger regulatory penalties. The FOIA request seeks emails, meeting minutes, memoranda, and other documents dating back to January 20 2025 that discuss Disney, ABC, Jimmy Kimmel, and related complaints from Trump officials.

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• “We believe that the FCC’s stated basis for requiring the early license renewal is mere pretext for punishing ABC because the Trump Administration disliked what ABC’s on-air talent had to say. We also believe the FCC and the Trump Administration are trying to send a message to other broadcasters that if they air content the Administration doesn’t like, they could face similar penalties.” — The ACLU

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• “As the agency decision makes clear, the early renewal order is based on a long-running FCC investigation into Disney’s DEI conduct, not any speech.” — an agency spokesperson

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