ABC Claims FCC License Review Amounts to Political Retaliation Over Kimmel Coverage

ABC filed a formal response Wednesday to the Federal Communications Commission disputing petitions seeking to block renewal of its broadcast licenses, characterizing the agency’s actions as politically motivated retaliation. The filing argues that the FCC’s decision to accelerate review of eight ABC-owned stations—originally scheduled for renewal between 2028 and 2031—stems directly from the Trump administration’s public hostility toward the network’s content and programming.

FCC Chairman Brendan Carr initiated the expedited license review process in April, requiring the stations to demonstrate they have operated in the public interest while the agency examines Disney’s diversity, equity and inclusion policies. The eight stations targeted include KFSN-TV in Fresno, KABC-TV in Los Angeles, KGO-TV in San Francisco, WLS-TV in Chicago, WABC-TV in New York, WTVD in Durham, North Carolina, WPVI-TV in Philadelphia, and KTRK-TV in Houston.

ABC’s legal team asserted the targeting is unmistakable, stating: “There is no question why the Commission is singling out these eight stations: Each is owned by ABC, and the Administration has openly and repeatedly called for the revocation of ABC’s licenses, because it dislikes the content and viewpoints expressed on ABC network programs.” The dispute intensified after host Jimmy Kimmel’s controversial “expectant widow” joke prompted first lady Melania Trump to call for his termination, and the network declined to air a Trump primetime address on traditional television.

The broadcaster reported receiving over 140,000 comments from its local communities, with more than 95 percent expressing support for the stations. ABC contended these endorsements came from diverse constituencies—individual viewers, local police and firefighters, charities, businesses, and schools—who share commitment to press freedom and free speech principles.

ABC asserted that the FCC “has spent the last 18 months searching for some pretext for revoking the Stations’ licenses” without success, noting that the stations “easily meet the standard for license renewal” under applicable law. The network characterized the license review as unnecessary and premature, arguing that even if violations were eventually substantiated, the FCC has milder enforcement remedies available rather than non-renewal.

An FCC spokesperson responded that broadcasters have long received subsidies through free use of publicly owned airwaves and must operate in the public interest in return. The agency stated it would “hold broadcasters accountable to the full extent of the law” regarding prohibited discriminatory practices, political equal opportunity compliance, and accuracy requirements.

The Media Research Center, a conservative watchdog group that petitioned for the early license review, reaffirmed its position. MRC president David Bozell told Fox News Digital that ABC’s defense relies on asking for trust that Americans do not extend to media institutions, and that the filing addresses “documented conduct” rather than political disagreement.