FCC opens open season on ABC licenses as public comments flow in

The FCC abruptly ordered ABC to apply early to renew its eight local TV licenses and opened a public comment window through June 29, inviting supporters and critics to weigh in on the renewal process. The move could lead to a multi-year, potentially litigated review with an administrative-law judge, appeals, or court challenges. Critics say the action is politically motivated retaliation against Trump critics, while ABC argues the DEI investigation is a pretext. Petitions to deny could come from groups like the Center for American Rights and individuals, and The View’s equal-time investigation remains a separate enforcement action running in parallel. ABC has hired Paul Clement to represent it, and, regardless of the outcome, the stations are expected to keep broadcasting during the process.