Judge Denies Disney a Fast Hearing Over the FCC's Early Review of Its ABC Licenses, Pushing Arguments to October

U.S. District Judge Loren AliKhan on Aug. 20 rejected Disney's request for an urgent hearing in its suit seeking to block the Federal Communications Commission's early review of the licenses for its eight company-owned ABC stations. The government said an expedited hearing was unnecessary, and the FCC agreed to give at least 48 hours' notice before referring the licenses for a hearing. AliKhan set briefing through Sept. 24 and a hearing in early October.

The case tests broadcasters' speech protections against a regulator acting while the President repeatedly calls for a network to lose its licenses over programming he dislikes. Disney's complaint says the FCC is trying to coerce and retaliate against "a network that refuses to bow to the administration's demands."

An FCC spokesperson said the agency was pleased the court "rejected Disney's meritless attempt to rush into court." Chair Brendan Carr said the suit lacks merit and that he has not decided whether to refer the licenses for a hearing. Disney did not immediately comment.