The ACLU has filed a FOIA request seeking internal FCC records to determine why eight ABC‑owned stations were ordered to seek early license renewals. The request seeks communications involving Disney, Jimmy Kimmel and Trump administration officials that might explain the timing; the directive came a day after President Trump criticized Kimmel. FCC Chair Brendan Carr denies White House influence and says the reviews relate to an FCC probe of DEI practices at Disney and ABC. The request aims to clarify whether political pressure or programming complaints played a role.
ACLU Files FOIA to Uncover Why FCC Ordered Early ABC License Renewals
Brendan Carr, commissioner at the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), speaks during an open commission meeting at the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) headquarters on February 18, 2026 in Washington, DC (Al Drago/Getty Images)
The ACLU has filed a Freedom of Information Act request seeking internal Federal Communications Commission records that could explain why the agency ordered eight ABC‑owned television stations to seek early license renewals.
The request asks the FCC to produce communications and documents related to the April decision, specifically citing materials that may involve Disney, ABC host Jimmy Kimmel and officials from the Trump administration. The stations affected include ABC-owned outlets in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago and Philadelphia. Their licenses otherwise would not have been up for renewal until 2027 or 2028.
What the ACLU Is Looking For
The ACLU hopes the records will reveal what prompted the FCC to demand early renewals and whether complaints about ABC programming or contacts from Trump administration officials influenced the agency’s decision. The civil liberties group is seeking internal memos, emails, call logs and other communications tied to the action.
Why the Timing Raised Eyebrows
The order to file early renewal applications came one day after President Donald Trump publicly called for ABC to fire Jimmy Kimmel over a joke about first lady Melania Trump, prompting questions about potential political pressure. FCC Chairman Brendan Carr denied White House involvement, saying the accelerated reviews were unrelated to the president’s criticism and were instead connected to the FCC’s examination of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) practices at Disney and ABC.
Broader Implications and Reactions
Critics say the move highlights concerns that the commission could be using its licensing authority to influence broadcasters’ programming or editorial choices. Supporters of the chair argue that broadcasters who use the public airwaves must meet public‑interest obligations and that the FCC is entitled to scrutinize compliance.
FCC Comment: The FCC did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Reporting on the ACLU FOIA was first published by TheWrap.
The ACLU’s request represents the latest public challenge to the FCC’s handling of broadcast licensing and the evolving debate over how regulatory power should be used in relation to news and entertainment outlets.
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