Overview
- Disney CEO Josh D’Amaro told CNBC at D23 Expo that ABC will not accept outside control of its journalism and that the company will stand up for its editorial decisions.
- Disney and ABC have formally asked the FCC to dismiss the accelerated license renewal review, calling the probe unlawful censorship that violates the First Amendment.
- FCC Chairman Brendan Carr says the review stems from an inquiry into Disney’s DEI policies and that programming choices, including ABC’s limited coverage of a presidential primetime address, may be relevant to the record.
- The administrative proceeding drew a very large public response and the agency’s reply window has closed, setting the stage for an administrative hearing and likely federal litigation over the FCC’s authority.
- Coverage of the dispute differs across outlets, with some highlighting alleged left‑wing bias at ABC and others emphasizing free‑speech and press‑freedom concerns, and observers say the outcome could reshape how regulators review broadcasters.