ABC is enlisting viewers in a free-speech fight with the Trump administration’s Federal Communications Commission (FCC). The network’s local stations have begun airing messages alerting viewers to the government’s challenges to their station licenses.

FCC Actions Spark Free-Speech Concerns

The FCC, led by Chair Brendan Carr, has ordered Disney to reapply early for the renewal of its station licenses, citing an investigation into Disney’s diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. Industry analysts have questioned the rationale behind this move, suggesting it may be motivated by politics.

Additionally, the FCC has opened an investigation into ABC’s daytime talk show ‘The View’ over possible violations of the equal-time rule. This move is widely seen as a political maneuver, as ‘The View’ regularly airs criticism of the Trump administration.

Disney has strongly defended ABC and cast both FCC actions as a threat to the First Amendment. The company has filed documents with the government, laying the groundwork for a potential court fight.

ABC is urging viewers to contact the FCC by scanning a QR code that links to the agency’s public comment page. The network’s ads emphasize the importance of supporting local stations and the freedom of speech.

Original reporting: KTVZ (Central Oregon) — read the source article.