ABC has filed formal opposition to the Federal Communications Commission's effort to force early renewal of its broadcast station licenses, accusing the agency of retaliation over network programming and seeking to intimidate the press, the network announced.
The early renewal applies to eight ABC licenses. ABC describes the FCC's action as 'extraordinary and unprecedented' and alleges that the agency spent the last 18 months searching for a pretext to revoke the stations' licenses. The network claims the real motivation is that the Administration dislikes content on ABC network programs.
The retaliation against ABC is a signal to every media company.
The FCC ordered ABC to file for early license renewal in April, citing potential violations including the prohibition on unlawful discrimination amid a DEI probe. FCC Chair Brendan Carr has targeted ABC over a joke by Jimmy Kimmel and over 'The View'. Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) criticized Carr, likening him to a 'mafioso' over his threat regarding the Kimmel comments.
Filed on the FCC docket, including from a bipartisan group of former FCC chairs and officials.
ABC accuses the FCC and Carr of trying to censor its stations. The network says the FCC's attempted censorship has attracted condemnation across the political aisle. ABC formally rebukes the FCC for its review of TV licenses, arguing it sends a chilling message to all media.