FCC Weighs Early License Renewals for Disney-Owned ABC Stations

The Federal Communications Commission is preparing a rare move that could impact several major television stations across the country.

According to a source familiar with the matter, the FCC may require ABC-owned stations to file for early renewal of their broadcast licenses, years ahead of their normal schedule.

The action would apply specifically to stations owned by The Walt Disney Company, which owns the ABC network.

Sources say the move could be tied to a broader probe into Disney’s diversity, equity, and inclusion practices, though details about the scope of that review remain limited.

If implemented, the requirement would only affect eight ABC stations directly owned by Disney. Most of the network’s affiliates, numbering in the hundreds, are operated by other media companies and would not be included.

Disney-owned stations are located in some of the nation’s largest media markets, including New York City, Los Angeles and Chicago.

The potential move is considered unusual, as broadcast licenses are typically renewed on a set multi-year schedule rather than being revisited early.