MRC Challenges ABC’s Licensing Amid Bias Allegations

The Media Research Center (MRC) has intensified its efforts against Disney by asserting that the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) should deny the renewal of ABC’s licenses. The MRC argues that ABC functions as a “partisan cable network.”

FCC Chairman Brendan Carr stated in April that eight ABC-owned stations need to demonstrate their operation in the public interest. This is linked to Disney’s ongoing investigation of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) practices.

MRC President David Bozell explained, “Broadcast licenses are a privilege, not an entitlement, reserved for those serving the public interest.”

Bozell highlighted that if ABC continues to operate as a partisan network, it should abandon the benefits meant for broadcasters. He insisted that ABC should not have its licenses renewed.

Eight ABC affiliates are facing renewed scrutiny sooner than anticipated, thanks to expedited processing by Trump’s FCC. These stations include KFSN-TV in Fresno, KABC-TV in Los Angeles, KGO-TV in San Francisco, WLS-TV in Chicago, WABC-TV in New York, WTVD in Durham, NC, WPVI-TV in Philadelphia, and KTRK-TV in Houston.

The New York Post first reported on MRC’s 27-page petition, pointing out that the MRC reviewed almost 50,000 hours of ABC content over 38 years. They highlight systemic bias and partisan activities in ABC’s programming.

ABC, known for shows like “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” and news segments such as “Good Morning America” and “World News Tonight,” has faced criticism from Bozell and others for alleged bias. They cite examples including ABC’s 2024 debate coverage and the frequent appearance of liberal guests on “The View.”

The petition argues, “ABC has First Amendment rights, but it should not use the public spectrum for partisan purposes.”

ABC did not respond to comment requests. Disney launched ads claiming the FCC is threatening ABC’s airtime, encouraging viewers to express support via public comment.

Meanwhile, the FCC is investigating ABC’s “The View,” scrutinizing equal time for political candidates. ABC defends “The View” as genuine news exempt from equal time regulations, but Bozell contests this claim.

Bozell wrote to FCC division chief Maria Mullarkey, arguing that “The View” serves Democratic interests rather than news purposes, disqualifying it from exemption. Bozell claims MRC possesses evidence showing “The View” as biased towards Democrats and against Trump and Republicans.

MRC will submit extensive documentation highlighting “The View’s” political bias for its petition. Bozell’s communication alleges ABC misrepresented “The View’s” nature in their FCC petition.