ABC and Disney have accused the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) of violating their First Amendment rights, citing 'major shifts in policy' that they claim will 'chill free speech'. The network argues that FCC actions threaten to limit political news coverage and restrict core First Amendment-protected speech.

The accusations come as ABC requests the FCC to ‘affirm its long-standing approach’ on the ‘bona fide news interview exemption’, particularly for daytime talk show The View. The network also criticises a series of actions from the FCC that they believe suggest 'major shifts in policy', including an attempt to reconsider earlier findings on The View's eligibility and asking ABC to file its license renewal applications early amid investigations into Disney’s DEI policies.

While the FCC has not yet responded, these developments represent a significant shift from past brush-ups with the Trump administration. The case will be a high-profile test for Disney’s new CEO Josh D’Amaro and highlights growing concerns over viewpoint discrimination in media regulation.

The accusations warn that narrowing previous news exemptions could restrict political discourse when it is most needed, as candidates can now reach voters through cable, podcasts, and social media. However, specific broadcast airtime requirements for all qualified candidates could make coverage infeasible, ultimately reducing access to information.