Applaud ABC and Disney for Standing Up for Press Freedom

ABC and its parent company, Disney, have sued the Federal Communications Commission, alleging that the Trump administration has used the agency’s regulatory powers to punish the network for coverage and programming Donald Trump dislikes. The lawsuit points to FCC investigations and unusually early scrutiny of licenses for eight ABC-owned television stations.

The First Amendment protects journalists, commentators, comedians, and media organizations from government censorship and retaliation. Presidents are free to criticize coverage they dislike—but they should not be able to weaponize federal agencies or threaten broadcast licenses to pressure media outlets into changing what they say.

ABC and Disney’s lawsuit raises an important question about the limits of government power. As the companies argue, regulators entrusted with overseeing the public airwaves should serve the public interest, not become instruments for punishing speech that draws the president’s ire.

Standing up to government pressure is especially important when that pressure could have a chilling effect far beyond a single network. News organizations must remain free to scrutinize those in power without worrying that unfavorable coverage will put their licenses or businesses at risk.

Add your name to applaud ABC and Disney for defending the First Amendment, standing up for press freedom, and challenging alleged government retaliation against speech protected by the Constitution.