US Justice Department opposes immediate hearing in Disney ABC license case

• Disney requested a hearing by Tuesday for a temporary restraining order, but the FCC agreed to provide at least 48 hours' notice before issuing any order to refer ABC licenses for review
• Disney characterizes the FCC action as an 'extraordinary assault on free speech' and retaliation for refusing to drop programs critical of the administration, including ABC's refusal to air a prime-time presidential speech on elections
• The Justice Department contends that a hearing designation order is not a sanction but an administrative process where Disney would have opportunity to present its case, while FCC Chair Brendan Carr calls the lawsuit meritless

Summary: US Justice Department opposes immediate hearing in Disney ABC license case

The U.S. Justice Department on Thursday urged a federal judge to reject Disney's request for an urgent hearing in its lawsuit seeking to block the Federal Communications Commission's early review of licenses for Disney's eight company-owned ABC stations.

Key Developments:

• Disney requested U.S. District Judge Loren AliKhan hold a hearing by Tuesday on its motion for a temporary restraining order
• The Justice Department opposed the expedited timeline, stating it's unnecessary
• The FCC has agreed to provide at least 48 hours' notice before issuing an order to refer Disney's ABC licenses for a hearing

Background:

President Trump has repeatedly pressured broadcasters to cancel programs critical of him or his administration and has urged the FCC on multiple occasions to revoke ABC's licenses. This follows a two-year conflict between Trump and Disney. Last month, Trump called for ABC stations to lose their licenses after the network refused to air a prime-time speech on elections.

Disney's Position:

Disney characterizes the FCC's actions as an "extraordinary assault on free speech," alleging the agency is attempting to coerce and retaliate against "a network that refuses to bow to the administration's demands." The company argues the FCC is "effectively seeking permission to impose draconian sanctions with only 48 hours' notice."

Government Response:

The Justice Department contends that issuing a hearing designation order is not a sanction but establishes an administrative process where Disney and ABC "would have the opportunity to make their case." FCC Chair Brendan Carr has dismissed the Disney lawsuit as meritless.