Attorneys for ABC on Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2026, requested a preliminary injunction to stop the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) from performing an early review of the network's broadcast licenses. The network argued that the accelerated review process is unconstitutional and serves as retaliation for content that President Donald Trump dislikes.
The legal dispute began after the FCC ordered eight ABC-owned stations in April to submit renewal applications years ahead of their scheduled dates. The order followed a joke by ABC late-night host Jimmy Kimmel that infuriated the president, as well as a separate dispute regarding whether the talk show "The View" should be subject to equal-time rules. ABC and its parent company, Disney, filed suit against the FCC and Commissioner Brendan Carr in August.
During a two-hour hearing, ABC attorney Beth Wilkinson stated that the looming review has created a "chilling effect" on the network's editorial choices just weeks before the U.S. midterm elections. She argued that the network is being targeted for its speech and that the move threatens all broadcast media. Department of Justice attorney Dimitar Georgiev-Remmel argued that the district court lacks jurisdiction over the matter and that ABC failed to prove it suffered irreparable harm since its eight licenses remain valid.
U.S. District Judge Loren AliKhan has not yet ruled on the injunction but has ordered both parties to submit additional arguments. The government's brief is due on Oct. 9, followed by ABC's response on Oct. 14. A decision on whether to halt the FCC's review is expected no earlier than mid-October 2026.