ABC objects to 'unlawful' early license renewal for television stations
The Disney-owned ABC network filed early license renewal applications for its eight television stations on Thursday, fulfilling a demand set by the Federal Communications Commission.
TL;DR
- ABC Network has filed early license renewal applications for its eight television stations in compliance with an FCC demand.
- The network is objecting to the FCC's April 28 order for early renewals, labeling it 'unlawful, arbitrary, and unconstitutional'.
- ABC argues the order has no legitimate purpose and is a threat to the First Amendment, potentially suppressing speech.
- The company suggests the timing of the order, shortly after calls for Jimmy Kimmel's firing, indicates retaliatory intent.
- FCC Chairman Brendan Carr states the decision stems from a yearlong investigation into Disney's alleged discriminatory hiring practices.
- The FCC is also targeting 'The View' for violating the equal time rule concerning political candidate interviews.