ABC Accuses Trump Administration of Threatening Its Broadcast Licenses
The New York Times • • general
Key Points:
- ABC television network formally accused the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) of unconstitutional retaliation and coercion after the agency ordered ABC to renew its broadcasting licenses years ahead of schedule.
- The FCC's unusual demand came shortly after President Trump and Melania Trump called for the firing of ABC's late-night host Jimmy Kimmel over a joke, leading ABC to allege political retaliation.
- ABC submitted its renewal applications under protest, asserting the timing of the FCC's order was clearly retaliatory, setting up a conflict over free speech and political bias.
- FCC Chairman Brendan Carr denied any connection to the Trump administration's criticism of ABC, stating the agency's actions were due to concerns over ABC's cooperation in an investigation into its diversity and inclusion policies.
- Carr emphasized that ABC was not taking the FCC's examination of alleged violations of federal nondiscrimination laws seriously, allegations which ABC denies.