FCC Seeks Dismissal of Disney Lawsuit Amid Concerns Over ABC License Renewal

<p>The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) urged a court on September 3, 2026, to dismiss a lawsuit filed by Disney, allowing the FCC to proceed with a case that could lead to the nonrenewal of ABC's broadcast licenses.</p><p>In response, two watchdog groups and individual viewers of ABC stations are attempting to intervene in the lawsuit, expressing concerns that Disney may reach a settlement with the FCC that does not serve the public interest. Disney has opposed this motion, and a judge will determine whether the groups and individuals can participate as intervenors in the case.</p><p>Disney filed the lawsuit against the FCC on August 18, 2026, alleging that the agency is conducting a “campaign of censorship” in retaliation against ABC for content that President Trump has criticized. As the lawsuit progresses, Trump has continued to voice his discontent with the media, recently calling for the FCC to take action against an NBC journalist who described his election endorsements as having “mixed results.”</p>