Disney's ABC files early broadcast licenses renewal 'under protest' against the FCC

Brendan Carr, commissioner at the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), during a Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee oversight hearing in Washington, DC, US, on Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2025. Kent Nishimura | Bloomberg | Getty Images Disney shot back at the Federal Communications Commission on Thursday as part of an early renewal process for broadcast licenses for eight of the company's stations. Disney said in filings it was submitting the applications "under protest in response to an unlawful, arbitrary, and unconstitutional order" from the FCC. In late April the FCC said it was launching an early review of the Disney-owned ABC stations years ahead of schedule following concerns around the company's diversity, equity and inclusion efforts. The licenses of the eight stations were originally up for renewal between 2028 and 2031. Last year the FCC, the federal entity that regulates the media and telecommunications industry, began an investigation into the DEI efforts of Disney and other media companies. The agency said it began investigating Disney last March for possible violations of the Communications Act of 1934 and the FCC's rules regarding its prohibition on unlawful discrimination. In April, the FCC said it had determined further action was needed. Disney had until Thursday to file the renewals. …