ABC is challenging an FCC action that orders ABC-owned local television stations to seek early license renewal, arguing the agency is using the process to apply improper pressure rather than pursue routine oversight. In filings described by multiple outlets, ABC says the FCC’s approach limits opportunities for timely, standard legal challenge.
ABC tells a federal judge the FCC effectively signals “retaliatory motive,” contending that the agency selected early review instead of “less intrusive” alternatives. Variety reports ABC also characterizes the FCC’s moves as designed to evade judicial review. Fox News adds that ABC’s broader submission frames the probe as an attempt to “inflict maximal coercive pressure,” including by moving ahead with licensing steps before courts can weigh related First Amendment claims.
The FCC, including Chairman Brendan Carr, is named in ABC’s First Amendment lawsuit, which argues the commission is attempting to curb free speech through its licensing actions. ABC seeks court intervention to halt or stop the early-license review proceedings while the challenge proceeds.
