The Walt Disney Company has launched a nationwide public campaign urging viewers to support its ABC television stations and daytime talk show “The View” amid heightened scrutiny from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). The efforts, which began airing Monday, encourage audiences to submit comments to the FCC in response to what Disney characterizes as government overreach threatening programming and local broadcasting.

The campaign comes after the FCC initiated an early review of the licenses for Disney’s eight ABC-owned TV stations, including KABC in Los Angeles. Typically, broadcast license renewals occur every eight years, but the commission’s accelerated scrutiny—announced in April—centers on an inquiry into Disney’s diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies, examining whether they violate federal anti-discrimination regulations. The move follows increasing tensions after then-President Donald Trump criticized ABC and publicly targeted late-night host Jimmy Kimmel over his jokes about the First Lady. Although the FCC has stated the timing was coincidental, critics see it as politically motivated.

Simultaneously, the FCC, under Chairman Brendan Carr, has challenged “The View” over its exemption from the equal-time rule, which generally requires broadcasters to provide equal airtime to political candidates. ABC maintains that “The View” is a bona fide news program—which grants it an exemption from this requirement—and contends that the FCC’s actions infringe on First Amendment rights. ABC stations, including Houston’s KTRK, have filed petitions defending the show’s status, while the company launched advertising spots highlighting the program’s long history of featuring diverse guests and political perspectives. The commercials include a message from “The View” founder Barbara Walters and direct viewers to the FCC’s public comment portal.

The FCC has responded critically to Disney’s campaign, accusing the company of spreading misinformation about the law to sway public opinion. A spokesperson for the agency stated that Disney’s characterization of the commission’s inquiry misrepresents the facts, underscoring the FCC’s role in regulating equal-time provisions.

Chairman Carr, since assuming the leadership role last year, has intensified regulatory actions targeting Disney and other media entities, particularly in relation to DEI practices and political content. His outspoken stance includes a warning to broadcasters to alter programming or face potential penalties. Carr’s approach has drawn condemnation from some Republican figures, including Senator Ted Cruz, who likened his tactics to intimidation, comparing them to “mafioso” behavior.

In contrast to its advocacy on licensing and programming matters, Disney settled a separate legal dispute with former President Trump last year by agreeing to pay $15 million over a defamation lawsuit filed after ABC anchor George Stephanopoulos made inaccurate statements related to a sexual assault case involving Trump. This earlier accommodation sparked criticism from free speech advocates concerned about perceived corporate capitulation.

The current campaign marks a significant escalation in Disney’s defense of its broadcasting operations amid a politically charged regulatory environment, highlighting ongoing conflicts between the media company and federal authorities over speech, diversity policies, and broadcast standards.