Disney and its ABC network are accusing Donald Trump’s media regulator of attempting to suppress free speech, after receiving an order requiring early licence reviews for ABC’s television stations. According to Sky News and Fox News, Disney says the regulator’s action is “unlawful” and “unconstitutional,” arguing that the early review process is being used to limit speech rather than follow proper legal standards.
The dispute centres on an early licence renewal investigation affecting Disney’s eight ABC TV stations. Disney and ABC describe the regulator’s order as aimed at stifling local broadcasters, rather than conducting an objective compliance process. Fox News characterises Disney’s argument as that the order is designed to suppress speech and harm local broadcasting.
The reports present Disney’s position and do not include a counter-response from the regulator within the provided excerpts. The case reflects ongoing tensions between media companies and U.S. regulators over licensing oversight and First Amendment concerns.
