Anna Gómez, the only Democrat on the FCC, saying audiences will remember “who complied beforehand and who fought back. I’m glad Disney is choosing courage over capitulation.”
The application for ABC was filed by attorney Paul Clement, who served as U.S. attorney general under President George W. Bush; and Jennifer Tatel, who was an FCC attorney during the Obama administration and during part of Trump’s first term. Tatel was promoted to acting general counsel in 2017 by then-FCC Chairman Ajit Pai, who saying she “is known for her legal acumen, FCC experience, and careful judgment.”
The ABC presentation said that The view still meets all the requirements to be a genuine news program and that there is no basis to revoke the 2002 order.
“However, in late March, the Media Office ordered KTRK Television (a Houston-based ABC station) to file another Petition for Declaratory Decision on The view“The status of a genuine news talk show,” ABC said. “In parallel, on April 28, 2026, the Media Office issued an extraordinary order requiring early submission of all ABC license renewal applications, including KTRK-TV.”
Although the license review has been widely viewed as retaliation against ABC for employing Kimmel, the FCC says it is related to a year-long investigation into ABC’s potential violation of anti-discrimination rules with diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) practices. ABC’s filing says the company has provided more than 11,000 pages of documents and extensive responses to questions in the FCC investigation. The FCC called ABC’s response inadequate in a order directing Disney to submit early license renewal applications for all of its licensed television stations by May 28.
“Viewpoint discrimination and retaliatory attacks”
Quoting comments Carr made to Fox about The viewABC said the FCC publicly announced its investigation into the program “and foreshadowed an outcome.” Carr said in the television appearance that “when you look at the list of guests who have typically been on The view“I think it’s an uphill climb for Disney to argue that they’re just a straight news show.”
