FCC Begins Early Review of ABC Broadcast Licenses in Disney Probe

A spokesperson for the company stated earlier this week that it has a long record of compliance with FCC rules and is confident in demonstrating its qualifications under the Communications Act and the First Amendment. The FCC declined to comment, referring to previous remarks by its chairman at a press conference on Thursday.

The chairman highlighted allegations of discrimination dating back to March 2025 and noted a similar order to Bridge News for early license renewal applications. The chairman emphasized holding broadcasters accountable to public interest and equal employment opportunity obligations.

Legal experts indicate that the FCC faces significant obstacles in revoking or denying broadcast licenses. Andrew Jay Schwartzman, a public interest lawyer specializing in media, told CBS News that revocation requires the FCC to prove gross misconduct, describing the legal standard as insurmountable.

Robert Corn-Revere, chief counsel at the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression, stated that denying renewal would involve a lengthy process before an administrative law judge, with potential appeals. He added that allegations based solely on DEI policies may not suffice to challenge licenses and could raise First Amendment issues if programming is involved.

Historically, the FCC has rarely denied license renewals. In 1975, the agency denied renewal for five radio stations after finding instructions for favorable political coverage, according to a research paper by Chad Raphael, a communications professor at Santa Clara University.

The National Association of Broadcasters stated on Wednesday that the license renewal process should be predictable, fair, and transparent. The group noted that the FCC's request for early reapplications deviates from traditional enforcement and creates uncertainty for broadcasters.