FCC commissioner joins Disney’s free-speech fight

by

Disney is now receiving support in its dispute with the Federal Communications Commission from one of the FCC’s own commissioners.

Federal Communications Commissioner Anna Gomez, the only Democrat on the panel, sent a letter Monday to Disney CEO Josh D’Amaro. In it, she expressed concern about what she believes is an effort to intimidate not only Disney’s ABC network, but any news organization that offers critical reporting on President Trump.

According to Gomez, Disney and ABC aren’t facing random regulatory issues. Instead, he believes they’re being targeted by a deliberate and organized effort to control what they can say and show, with the Federal Communications Commission unfairly using its power to do so.

Gomez argued that the FCC was trying to control the media and force independent news outlets to comply with its demands, as detailed in a four-page letter to Disney’s new CEO, D’Amaro.

Hollywood Inc.

The Walt Disney Co. owned network’s salvo sets the stage for a 1st Amendment fight

This action follows a surprising decision by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to begin reviewing the broadcast licenses for Disney-owned ABC stations, including KABC-TV in Los Angeles, well before their expiration. Disney operates eight stations, and these licenses weren’t scheduled to expire for another two to five years.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) asked Disney’s Houston TV station to justify why the show “The View” shouldn’t be required to give equal airtime to political candidates when their opponent is a guest.

Disney explained that “The View” received a standard exemption – commonly given to news shows – back in 2002. Last week, Disney strongly protested the FCC’s investigation into the program in a formal letter.

Gomez has publicly criticized FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, who was appointed by Trump, and warned that some FCC decisions could threaten First Amendment rights. Her letter on Monday sharply increased her criticism and provides Disney with strong evidence for their legal fight against the FCC.

Disney and the FCC did not immediately comment.

Hollywood Inc.

ABC television stations, which are owned by Disney, are facing increased attention and criticism following jokes made about the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner.

Gomez, a lawyer specializing in telecommunications, highlighted four important events that started with Disney’s decision to settle a defamation lawsuit filed by Donald Trump shortly after his reelection. Some free speech advocates believed Disney could have won the case, as it stemmed from inaccurate statements made by ABC News’ George Stephanopoulos.

However, Disney agreed to pay $15 million in late 2024 to make the case go away.

Gomez explained that regardless of the legal reasoning, the decision had a clear and instant impact. It demonstrated to the current administration that public pressure can be effective, signaled to other companies that giving in to demands was possible, and paved the way for all subsequent actions.

Gomez explained that the administration wasn’t trying to create issues the FCC would have to fight in court. Instead, their aim was to encourage TV networks to moderate their news reporting themselves, so they wouldn’t risk conflict with the president and Commissioner Carr.

According to Gomez, the goal of most FCC investigations isn’t actually to reach a legal resolution. The power of these investigations lies in the threat they pose, rather than any actual penalties imposed.

Read More

2026-05-11 21:01