Media Watchdog Urges FCC to Deny ABC License Renewals Over Alleged Political Bias
A conservative media watchdog group is urging the Federal Communications Commission to reject the renewal of several ABC television licenses, arguing that the network has failed to serve the public interest through what it describes as politically biased coverage.
The request was filed by the Media Research Center, which accused ABC of electioneering, selectively covering political stories, downplaying issues unfavorable to Democrats and spreading misinformation.
“Broadcast licenses are a privilege, not an entitlement,” said David Bozell. He argued that broadcasters receive access to public airwaves in exchange for serving the public interest and claimed ABC has instead operated like a partisan cable network.
The filing comes as the Federal Communications Commission reviews eight broadcast licenses owned by The Walt Disney Company, including ABC stations in New York, Los Angeles and Chicago.
FCC Chairman Brendan Carr previously accelerated the renewal review process while citing concerns about the company’s cooperation with an investigation into diversity, equity and inclusion policies.
ABC has strongly criticized the review, calling it an attempt to suppress speech through government regulation and arguing that the early review process serves no legitimate purpose.
The watchdog group’s filing alleged that ABC’s coverage during the 2024 presidential campaign was overwhelmingly favorable toward former Vice President Kamala Harris while being disproportionately negative toward President Donald Trump.
The complaint also cited guest selections on Jimmy Kimmel Live! and interview decisions on The View as examples of alleged political imbalance.
Among the examples cited were ABC’s handling of reporting surrounding Hunter Biden‘s laptop, coverage of allegations regarding the use of an autopen during the administration of former President Joe Biden and comments made following the death of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk.
The filing also referenced comments made by ABC anchor George Stephanopoulos regarding the verdict in the civil case involving writer E. Jean Carroll and President Trump. ABC later agreed to settle Trump’s defamation lawsuit stemming from those remarks.
Another example cited involved the network’s coverage of actor Jussie Smollett and the aftermath of the investigation into his reported attack.
The FCC has not indicated when it will make a final decision regarding ABC’s license renewals.