Watchdog Group Urges FCC to Deny ABC License Renewals, Alleges Network Operates as 'Partisan Cable'

The Media Research Center (MRC) has intensified its campaign against Disney, formally requesting on Monday that the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) decline to renew ABC’s broadcast licenses. The organization asserts that ABC operates more like a “partisan cable network” than a public interest broadcaster.

This latest move follows an April statement from FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, who indicated that eight ABC-owned stations must demonstrate their adherence to public interest obligations. This requirement is part of an ongoing examination into Disney’s diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies. In its petition to the FCC, the MRC characterized ABC as “a political operation that peddles falsehoods, suppresses actual journalism, and justifies political violence.”

“If ABC wants to operate like a partisan cable network, it should give up the benefits reserved for broadcast licensees,” the MRC continued in its petition. “No one is above the law, and ABC should not have its broadcast licenses renewed.”

Initial Scrutiny Over Public Interest

The broadcast licenses for the Disney-owned ABC affiliates were initially slated for renewal between 2028 and 2031, but the FCC under the previous administration accelerated this review process. The stations currently under scrutiny include KFSN-TV in Fresno, KABC-TV in Los Angeles, KGO-TV in San Francisco, WLS-TV in Chicago, WABC-TV in New York, WTVD in Durham, North Carolina, WPVI-TV in Philadelphia, and KTRK-TV in Houston.

ABC’s programming slate encompasses a variety of shows, from entertainment like “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” to news and current affairs programs such as “Good Morning America,” “The View,” and “World News Tonight.”

The MRC, along with its supporters and colleagues, has presented various instances of alleged bias. These examples include criticisms of ABC’s coverage of the 2024 presidential debate and the frequent appearances of liberal guests on “The View.”

The petition from the MRC acknowledges ABC’s First Amendment rights but argues that these rights do not extend to using public broadcast spectrum for partisan purposes.

“As unethical as its motives may be, ABC has First Amendment rights. But it does not have a right to use public spectrum to do so. It has numerous, non-public spectrum avenues to express whatever opinions it wishes,” the petition stated.

ABC did not immediately respond to a request for comment regarding these allegations.

ABC's Response and Viewer Support

In response to the FCC’s review, ABC launched advertising campaigns in the affected markets. These advertisements declared, “The FCC is questioning our commitment to viewers by threatening to take us off the air,” and encouraged viewers to voice their support.

ABC has directed viewers to submit public comments through the FCC’s Electronic Comment Filing System online, requesting they include the corresponding docket number with their submissions. To date, more than 100,000 public comments have been filed in support of ABC.