FCC asks court to toss ABC suit over broadcast licenses

Posted Friday, September 4, 2026 10:26 am

Jim Rutenberg | The New York Times

The Federal Communications Commission asked the federal court in Washington on Thursday to dismiss a lawsuit from ABC, disputing the network’s claim that the agency was conducting an “extraordinary assault” against its free speech rights.

ABC sued the FCC last month over its efforts to possibly strip the network’s local broadcasting licenses.

The agency made its case largely on technical, legal grounds and argued that ABC’s court challenge was premature because the agency hadn’t yet moved to strip the licenses.

Click here to read more.

Comments

No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here

Scroll the Latest Job Opportunities From The Media Job Board

E&P Exclusive Reporting

AI-generated cartoons and columns expose why newsrooms need stronger standards and transparency

As AI-generated cartoons and columns make their way onto opinion pages, newsrooms face increasingly urgent questions about standards, transparency and trust. In his latest “News Media Today” op-ed column, E&P’s Rob Tornoe examines some recent controversies over AI-generated content and argues that publishers need clear rules for how — and where — the technology is used.

The election desk: Newsrooms plan comprehensive coverage of a consequential midterm election

With the 2026 midterms fast approaching, newsrooms are preparing for an election shaped by national politics, questions about election security and voters hungry for trustworthy information. For E&P’s October cover story, Editor-in-Chief Gretchen A. Peck spoke with reporters and editors at Votebeat, The Associated Press, The Daily Beast and The Salt Lake Tribune about how they’re planning coverage before, during and after Election Day.

Latest Legacy Magazine

#NewsPeople on the move

Mike Hale retires after 17 years as a New York Times TV critic

Mike Hale has retired from The New York Times after 17 years as a television critic, Sarah Bahr reports in a Times Insider interview. He joined the newspaper as a Sports desk copy editor in 1995 and later worked as a television editor before becoming a critic in 2009.

Steve Watkins says goodbye after 38 years in journalism

Cincinnati Business Courier reporter Steve Watkins has written a farewell to readers after 38 years in journalism, including more than three decades reporting on business, Talking Biz News reports.

See more NewsPeople

Latest E&P Partner News

The Villages Media Group enhances production efficiency with ProImage’s NewsWayX

The Villages Media Group has chosen ProImage’s NewsWayX to streamline its production workflow and address long-standing challenges. The installation of NewsWayX, a cloud-based workflow management solution, has enabled the company to achieve greater flexibility, efficiency and accuracy in the printing processes.

D-R Media invests in operational growth with SCS Community Advertising System

D-R Media and Investments of Venice, Florida, has selected SCS’s Community Advertising System to update and enhance its advertising and production workflows. By implementing CAS, D-R Media will benefit from a unified, organization-wide solution that supports display, classified and digital advertising operations, as well as invoicing, accounts receivable and customer account management.

Helping advertisers get found in AI search: Local media’s next revenue opportunity

As AI changes how consumers find and choose local businesses, publishers have an opportunity to help advertisers remain visible. Duda provides the technology and insights publishers need to improve discoverability, measure business results and deliver those services at scale. The result can be stronger advertiser relationships and new recurring revenue.

FCC asks court to toss ABC suit over broadcast licenses

Comments

Congressman Jamie Raskin champions press freedom at Journalism Summit

Inside the newsroom revolt against Rob Curley’s ‘People’s Paper’ plan

Ellison in talks to keep Mark Thompson leading CNN without Bari Weiss oversight

Court appoints temporary receiver for OpenWeb

AI-generated cartoons and columns expose why newsrooms need stronger standards and transparency

The election desk: Newsrooms plan comprehensive coverage of a consequential midterm election

Waymo’s model makes the case for AI, with measurable consumer benefits

Leaders must create a sense of stability during times of boundless transformation