The Media Research Center (MRC) has intensified its campaign against Disney by urging the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to not renew ABC’s licenses. MRC claims ABC operates like a “partisan cable network.” FCC Chairman Brendan Carr previously emphasized that eight ABC-owned stations must demonstrate they are serving the public interest, focusing on Disney’s diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies.
MRC’s petition to the FCC criticizes ABC as a “political operation” that spreads misinformation and undermines journalism. MRC President David Bozell expressed to Fox News Digital that “broadcast licenses are a privilege” requiring broadcasters to serve the public interest. He argued that ABC should relinquish its broadcast benefits if it persists as a partisan entity.
The debate arises amidst an expedited review of Disney-owned ABC affiliates, originally set for license renewal between 2028 and 2031, due to actions from the FCC during Trump’s administration. Affected stations include KFSN-TV, KABC-TV, KGO-TV, WLS-TV, WABC-TV, WTVD, WPVI-TV, and KTRK-TV.
An extensive 27-page petition by MRC, based on a review of 50,000 hours of ABC broadcasts over 38 years, cited bias and political slant in ABC programming. It included programs like “Jimmy Kimmel Live!”, “Good Morning America”, “The View”, and “World News Tonight.” Bozell and MRC supplied examples of this bias, including critiques on ABC’s handling of the 2024 presidential debate and highlighting liberal guests on “The View.”
The FCC is assessing allegations against ABC, specifically whether ABC’s “The View” complies with laws granting equal airtime to political candidates. Disney contends “The View” qualifies as legitimate news, thus exempt from such requirements. Bozell, challenging this, wrote to FCC division chief Maria Mullarkey, arguing “The View” serves as a political platform for the Democratic Party rather than a news program.
The MRC promises to submit extensive evidence illustrating “The View”‘s bias, reinforcing their call for accountability at ABC. This evidence intends to challenge ABC’s First Amendment defense and dismiss claims of censorship.
Although ABC has launched campaigns to mobilize viewer support against FCC threats, MRC continues to present evidence emphasizing its viewpoint on ABC’s alleged partisan activities.