ABC-owned local TV stations across the United States have raised objections against the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for initiating an early review of their broadcast licenses. The stations, including WABC in New York, have described the FCC’s actions as “unlawful, arbitrary, and unconstitutional,” claiming it targets editorial voices disfavored by the Trump-controlled agency.

Constitutional Concerns

The FCC’s decision to begin early license reviews has sparked a significant confrontation with ABC, one of the nation’s leading broadcast networks. The licenses in question, originally set for renewal between 2028 and 2031, cover major markets such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, Houston, New York, Chicago, and Philadelphia, as well as Fresno, California, and Durham, North Carolina.

Commissioner Anna Gomez, the FCC’s sole Democrat, criticized the move, labeling it an “egregious assault on the First Amendment.” She expressed support for the stations’ efforts to expose what she sees as political retribution and an attack on free speech and a free press.

Impact on Public Access to Journalism

WABC’s objection highlights the potential harm to the public, arguing that regulatory retaliation could influence editorial decisions, thereby restricting access to journalism free from government influence. This marks a shift in ABC’s approach to political scrutiny, especially following a $15 million defamation settlement paid by the network before Trump’s return to the White House.

ABC’s recent filings emphasize the threat to free speech, warning that the FCC’s actions could disrupt established law and practice, chilling critical protected speech. The network has been defending its programming, including “The View,” against claims of violating equal time rules, asserting that the Trump administration’s actions are stifling open political discussion.

Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.