Disney and its ABC-owned television stations have accused the Federal Communications Commission of using its licensing authority to pressure editorial content, escalating a dispute between the Trump administration and one of the country's largest broadcast networks over late-night host Jimmy Kimmel and broader allegations of political retaliation.
In filings submitted Thursday, the eight ABC stations targeted by the FCC objected to the agency's decision to force early reviews of their broadcast licenses, calling the move "unlawful, arbitrary and unconstitutional." The stations said they were complying "under protest" and argued the reviews violate First Amendment protections.
