Judge AliKhan Questions FCC’s Basis for Early ABC License Review
U.S. District Judge Loren AliKhan expressed skepticism during a Tuesday hearing regarding the Federal Communications Commission’s attempt to force an early review of ABC’s eight broadcast licenses. The judge appeared to side with ABC’s argument that the court has jurisdiction to intervene in the FCC’s unprecedented move to accelerate the renewal process years ahead of schedule. AliKhan challenged the FCC’s assertion that the review is merely a procedural step tied to a discovery dispute within a discrimination investigation concerning ABC’s diversity, equity, and inclusion practices. This hearing represents the latest legal confrontation between the Trump administration and Disney-owned ABC, following the agency’s order to pull the licenses for early scrutiny. The judge’s comments suggest she is unconvinced by the FCC’s characterization of the action as a routine administrative matter, instead viewing it as a substantive legal issue that warrants judicial oversight.