ABC Sues FCC, Alleging Retaliatory Campaign Over Its Journalism

ABC sued the FCC on August 18, 2026, in D.C. federal court, claiming the agency forced its eight owned-and-operated TV stations into early license renewal as retaliation for the network's journalism. ABC alleges a First Amendment violation. Chairman Brendan Carr will decide the renewals. Former FCC officials had warned the move sent a "chilling message" to broadcasters.