A conservative media watchdog has called on the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to deny the renewal of ABC’s broadcast licenses, alleging partisan bias and failure to serve the public interest. The Media Research Center (MRC) made its appeal in a filing submitted Monday, accusing the broadcaster of electioneering, selectively covering issues, excusing political violence, and disseminating misinformation.

MRC President David Bozell emphasized that broadcast licenses should be contingent on serving the public good, noting, “Broadcast licenses are a privilege, not an entitlement,” and argued that ABC’s operations resemble those of a partisan cable network rather than an impartial broadcaster. The MRC urged the FCC to hold ABC accountable by refusing to renew its licenses.

The FCC has initiated an early review of eight Disney-owned broadcast licenses, including ABC affiliates in major markets such as New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago. The unusual review was triggered by FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, who contended that ABC had been uncooperative in an investigation into the network’s diversity, equity, and inclusion policies.

The FCC spokesperson clarified that the commission’s mandate is to assess whether broadcasters fulfill their public interest obligations when applying for license renewals. “Broadcast licenses are not sacred cows,” the spokesperson said, reaffirming that the review process is consistent with congressional directives.

ABC has strongly criticized the early license scrutiny, dismissing it as an unjustified attempt to suppress speech under regulatory pretenses. The network has also mobilized its audience through a campaign urging support for its license renewals, highlighting programs such as “The View” as qualifying news interview shows amidst a separate FCC inquiry into the daytime talk show.

The MRC’s petition specifically alleges that ABC has exhibited a pro-Democratic slant in its coverage. It pointed to favorable reporting on former Vice President Kamala Harris and critical coverage of former President Donald Trump during the 2024 presidential election cycle. The watchdog also noted that the majority of guests on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” leaned politically left and accused hosts of “The View” of declining to interview prominent Republican figures, including Trump, while featuring Democrats such as former President Joe Biden.

The filing further accused ABC of minimizing significant stories, including investigative reports on Hunter Biden’s laptop and a Heritage Foundation report regarding President Biden’s use of an autopen to sign documents.

The FCC’s license examination comes amid a broader dispute following inflammatory comments made by Jimmy Kimmel about First Lady Melania Trump after alleged assassination attempts on the former president.

ABC did not respond to requests for comment regarding the latest developments.