FCC moves to dismiss Disney lawsuit over ABC station license review
FCC asks court to reject Disney's lawsuit challenging early license review of eight ABC stations amid discrimination probe.
The Federal Communications Commission has asked a U.S. court to dismiss a lawsuit filed by Disney that seeks to block the regulator's early review of broadcast licenses for the company's eight ABC-owned television stations.
In its filing on Thursday, the FCC argued that allowing Disney's legal challenge to proceed would prevent the commission from examining evidence gathered during an ongoing investigation. The agency said a ruling in Disney's favour would undermine its ability to "investigate and resolve serious allegations that Disney has engaged in unlawful discrimination."
The dispute centres on the FCC's decision to bring forward the licence renewal review for the stations, a move Disney has contested in court. The entertainment giant's lawsuit aims to halt that process, but the regulator contends that the review is a legitimate part of its oversight duties.
The case highlights the tension between corporate broadcasters and federal regulators over licence conditions and compliance with anti-discrimination rules. The court has not yet indicated when it will rule on the FCC's motion to dismiss.