Case: American Broadcasting Companies, Inc. v. Federal Communications Commission

1:26-cv-02902 | U.S. District Court for the District of District of Columbia

Filed Date: Aug. 18, 2026

Case Ongoing

Clearinghouse coding in progress

Case Summary

[This summary is temporary while we research this case.]

This case challenges the FCC’s alleged retaliation against ABC, Disney, and eight ABC-owned television stations for programming and editorial decisions critical of the Administration. The plaintiffs allege that the FCC launched pretextual investigations, required the stations to seek license renewal years early, and threatened adverse licensing action to pressure them to alter their coverage, chilling their speech and that of other broadcasters in violation of the First Amendment.

Summary Authors

Sahana Shridhar (9/13/2026)

People

For PACER's information on parties and their attorneys, see: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/74661956/parties/american-broadcasting-companies-inc-v-federal-communications-commission/

Attorney for Plaintiff

Belendiuk, Arthur Vasyl (District of Columbia)

Churchill, Luke (District of Columbia)

Clement, Paul (District of Columbia)

Attorney for Defendant

Expert/Monitor/Master/Other

Corn-Revere, Robert (District of Columbia)

Crossin, Robert Andrew (District of Columbia)

Attorney for Plaintiff

Belendiuk, Arthur Vasyl (District of Columbia)

Churchill, Luke (District of Columbia)

Clement, Paul (District of Columbia)

Epps, Daniel (District of Columbia)

Li, Caroline (District of Columbia)

Swarbrick, Jennifer Pavelec (District of Columbia)

Thalhofer, Jeffrey (District of Columbia)

Wilkinson, Beth A. (District of Columbia)

Attorney for Defendant

Georgiev-Remmel, Dimitar (District of Columbia)

Newman, Jeremy Samuel (District of Columbia)

Other

Corn-Revere, Robert (District of Columbia)

Crossin, Robert Andrew (District of Columbia)

Jr, Donald Beaton (District of Columbia)

London, Ronald G. (District of Columbia)

Lopez, Janine M. (District of Columbia)

Mills, Christopher Ernest (District of Columbia)

NEWMAN, KENNETH DOUGLASS (District of Columbia)

Percival, Emily (District of Columbia)

Suhr, Daniel Robert (District of Columbia)

Attorney Contact Information via CourtListener

Documents in the Clearinghouse

Documents in this case

1 1:26-cv-02902	Complaint for Declaratory and Injunctive Relief American Broadcasting Companies, Inc. et al. v. Federal Communications Commission et al.	Aug. 18, 2026	Aug. 18, 2026 Complaint
2-1 1:26-cv-02902	Memorandum In Support Of Plaintiffs’ Motion For Temporary Restraining Order And Preliminary Injunction American Broadcasting Companies, Inc. et al. v. Federal Communications Commission	Aug. 18, 2026	Aug. 18, 2026 Pleading / Motion / Brief
29 1:26-cv-02902	Opposition of Frequency Forward and Media Action Center, Et Al. to Defendant's Motion to Stay Obligation to Respond to Motion to Intervene, or Alternatively, to Extend American Broadcasting Companies v. Federal Communications Commission	Sept. 7, 2026	Sept. 7, 2026 Pleading / Motion / Brief

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Docket

See docket on RECAP: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/74661956/american-broadcasting-companies-inc-v-federal-communications-commission/

Last updated Sept. 29, 2026, 3:11 a.m.

Docket for: AMERICAN BROADCASTING COMPANIES, INC. v. FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION

ECF Number	Date	Description	Link
1	Aug. 18, 2026	COMPLAINT against All Defendants ( Filing fee $ 405 receipt number ADCDC-12616961) filed by WABC TELEVISION (NEW YORK), LLC, WALT DISNEY COMPANY, AMERICAN BROADCASTING COMPANIES, INC., KTRK TELEVISION, INC., KABC TELEVISION, LLC, WPVI TELEVISION (PHILADELPHIA), LLC, WLS TELEVISION, INC., KFSN TELEVISION, LLC, WTVD TELEVISION, LLC, KGO TELEVISION, INC.. (Attachments: # 1 Civil Cover Sheet, # 2 Summons, # 3 Summons, # 4 Summons, # 5 Summons, # 6 Summons, # 7 Summons, # 8 Summons, # 9 Summons)(Wilkinson, Beth) (Entered: 08/18/2026) 1 Civil Cover Sheet View on RECAP 2 Summons View on RECAP 3 Summons View on RECAP 4 Summons View on RECAP 5 Summons View on RECAP 6 Summons View on RECAP 7 Summons View on RECAP 8 Summons View on RECAP 9 Summons View on RECAP	Clearinghouse
2	Aug. 18, 2026	MOTION for Temporary Restraining Order and Preliminary Injunction by AMERICAN BROADCASTING COMPANIES, INC., KABC TELEVISION, LLC, KFSN TELEVISION, LLC, KGO TELEVISION, INC., KTRK TELEVISION, INC., WABC TELEVISION (NEW YORK), LLC, WALT DISNEY COMPANY, WLS TELEVISION, INC., WPVI TELEVISION (PHILADELPHIA), LLC, WTVD TELEVISION, LLC. (Attachments: # 1 Memorandum in Support of Plaintiffs' Motion for TRO and Preliminary Injunction, # 2 Declaration of Beth A. Wilkinson, # 3 Exhibit 1-30, # 4 Exhibit 31-56, # 5 Declaration of Eric N. Lieberman, # 6 Declaration of Mark S. Fowler, # 7 Notice to Counsel/Party, # 8 Text of Proposed Order)(Wilkinson, Beth) (Entered: 08/18/2026) 1 Memorandum in Support of Plaintiffs' Motion for TRO and Preliminary Injunct View on Clearinghouse 2 Declaration of Beth A. Wilkinson View on RECAP 3 Exhibit 1-30 View on RECAP 4 Exhibit 31-56 View on RECAP 5 Declaration of Eric N. Lieberman View on RECAP 6 Declaration of Mark S. Fowler View on RECAP 7 Notice to Counsel/Party View on RECAP 8 Text of Proposed Order View on RECAP	RECAP
3	Aug. 18, 2026	NOTICE of Appearance by Jennifer Pavelec Swarbrick on behalf of All Plaintiffs (Swarbrick, Jennifer) (Entered: 08/18/2026)	RECAP
4	Aug. 18, 2026	MOTION for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice :Attorney Name- Daniel Epps, Filing fee $ 100, receipt number ADCDC-12617061. Fee Status: Fee Paid. by AMERICAN BROADCASTING COMPANIES, INC., KABC TELEVISION, LLC, KFSN TELEVISION, LLC, KGO TELEVISION, INC., KTRK TELEVISION, INC., WABC TELEVISION (NEW YORK), LLC, WALT DISNEY COMPANY, WLS TELEVISION, INC., WPVI TELEVISION (PHILADELPHIA), LLC, WTVD TELEVISION, LLC. (Attachments: # 1 Declaration of Daniel Epps, # 2 Certificate of Good Standing, # 3 Text of Proposed Order)(Swarbrick, Jennifer) (Entered: 08/18/2026) 1 Declaration of Daniel Epps View on PACER 2 Certificate of Good Standing View on PACER 3 Text of Proposed Order View on PACER	RECAP
5	Aug. 18, 2026	MOTION for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice :Attorney Name- Luke Churchill, Filing fee $ 100, receipt number ADCDC-12617121. Fee Status: Fee Paid. by AMERICAN BROADCASTING COMPANIES, INC., KABC TELEVISION, LLC, KFSN TELEVISION, LLC, KGO TELEVISION, INC., KTRK TELEVISION, INC., WABC TELEVISION (NEW YORK), LLC, WALT DISNEY COMPANY, WLS TELEVISION, INC., WPVI TELEVISION (PHILADELPHIA), LLC, WTVD TELEVISION, LLC. (Attachments: # 1 Declaration of Luke Churchill, # 2 Certificate of Good Standing, # 3 Text of Proposed Order)(Swarbrick, Jennifer) (Entered: 08/18/2026) 1 Declaration of Luke Churchill View on PACER 2 Certificate of Good Standing View on PACER 3 Text of Proposed Order View on PACER	RECAP
6	Aug. 18, 2026	SUMMONS (6) Issued Electronically as to BRENDAN T. CARR, FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION, ANNA M. GOMEZ, OLIVIA TRUSTY, U.S. Attorney and U.S. Attorney General (Attachments: # 1 Notice and Consent)(gsk) (Entered: 08/18/2026) 1 Notice and Consent View on RECAP	RECAP
7	Aug. 18, 2026	NOTICE of Appearance by Paul Clement on behalf of All Plaintiffs (Clement, Paul) (Entered: 08/18/2026)	RECAP
8	Aug. 18, 2026	LCvR 26.1 CERTIFICATE OF DISCLOSURE of Corporate Affiliations and Financial Interests by AMERICAN BROADCASTING COMPANIES, INC., KABC TELEVISION, LLC, KFSN TELEVISION, LLC, KGO TELEVISION, INC., KTRK TELEVISION, INC., WABC TELEVISION (NEW YORK), LLC, WALT DISNEY COMPANY, WLS TELEVISION, INC., WPVI TELEVISION (PHILADELPHIA), LLC, WTVD TELEVISION, LLC (Wilkinson, Beth) (Entered: 08/18/2026)	RECAP
9	Aug. 18, 2026	ENTERED IN ERROR.....NOTICE of Appearance by Paul Clement on behalf of All Plaintiffs (Clement, Paul) Modified on 8/18/2026 (mg). (Entered: 08/18/2026)	RECAP
10	Aug. 18, 2026	NOTICE of Appearance by Dimitar Georgiev-Remmel on behalf of All Defendants (Georgiev-Remmel, Dimitar) (Entered: 08/18/2026)	RECAP
11	Aug. 18, 2026	NOTICE of Appearance by Jeffrey Thalhofer on behalf of All Plaintiffs (Thalhofer, Jeffrey) (Entered: 08/18/2026)	RECAP
12	Aug. 18, 2026	CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE by AMERICAN BROADCASTING COMPANIES, INC., KABC TELEVISION, LLC, KFSN TELEVISION, LLC, KGO TELEVISION, INC., KTRK TELEVISION, INC., WABC TELEVISION (NEW YORK), LLC, WALT DISNEY COMPANY, WLS TELEVISION, INC., WPVI TELEVISION (PHILADELPHIA), LLC, WTVD TELEVISION, LLC re Order,,,, Set Deadlines,,, . (Wilkinson, Beth) (Entered: 08/18/2026)	RECAP
	Aug. 18, 2026	Case Assigned/Reassigned
	Aug. 18, 2026	.Order AND ~Util - Set/Reset Deadlines
	Aug. 18, 2026	Order on Motion for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice AND Order on Motion for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice
	Aug. 18, 2026	Case Assigned to Judge Loren L. AliKhan. (gsk)
	Aug. 18, 2026	MINUTE ORDER: Upon consideration of Plaintiffs' Motions for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice 4, 5, it is hereby ORDERED that the motions are GRANTED and DANIEL EPPS and LUKE CHURCHILL are granted leave to appear pro hac vice in this case. Counsel should register for e-filing via PACER and file notices of appearance pursuant to Local Civ. R. 83.6(a). Click for Instructions. Signed by Judge Loren L. AliKhan on 8/18/2026. (lclla1)
	Aug. 18, 2026	MINUTE ORDER: In light of Plaintiffs' Complaint 1 and Motion for Temporary Restraining Order 2, it is hereby ORDERED that the parties shall meet and confer and file a joint status report on or before noon on Thursday, August 20, 2026, proposing a briefing schedule on the motion and providing three dates and times for a hearing on the motion. It is further ORDERED that Plaintiffs shall immediately serve a copy of this minute order on Defendants and shall file a notice indicating the manner of such service on or before 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 18, 2026. Finally, it is further ORDERED that Defendants shall notify the court if they issue a hearing designation order concerning any Plaintiff and shall provide a copy of such order to the court on the same day it is issued. Signed by Judge Loren L. AliKhan on 8/18/2026. (lclla2)
	Aug. 18, 2026	NOTICE OF ERROR The following error(s) need correction: Incorrect document or case. Please refile. Invalid attorney signature- signature on document must match PACER login. Please refile. (mg)
13	Aug. 19, 2026	MOTION for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice :Attorney Name- Caroline Li, Filing fee $ 100, receipt number ADCDC-12621580. Fee Status: Fee Paid. by AMERICAN BROADCASTING COMPANIES, INC., KABC TELEVISION, LLC, KFSN TELEVISION, LLC, KGO TELEVISION, INC., KTRK TELEVISION, INC., WABC TELEVISION (NEW YORK), LLC, WALT DISNEY COMPANY, WLS TELEVISION, INC., WPVI TELEVISION (PHILADELPHIA), LLC, WTVD TELEVISION, LLC. (Attachments: # 1 Declaration of Caroline Li, # 2 Certificate of Good Standing, # 3 Text of Proposed Order)(Swarbrick, Jennifer) (Entered: 08/19/2026) 1 Declaration of Caroline Li View on PACER 2 Certificate of Good Standing View on PACER 3 Text of Proposed Order View on PACER	RECAP
14	Aug. 19, 2026	NOTICE of Appearance by Daniel Epps on behalf of All Plaintiffs (Epps, Daniel) (Entered: 08/19/2026)	RECAP
	Aug. 19, 2026	MINUTE ORDER: Upon consideration of Plaintiffs' Motion for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice 13, it is hereby ORDERED that the motion is GRANTED and CAROLINE LI is granted leave to appear pro hac vice in this case. Counsel should register for e-filing via PACER and file a notice of appearance pursuant to Local Civ. R. 83.6(a). Click for Instructions. Signed by Judge Loren L. AliKhan on 8/19/2026. (lclla1)
15	Aug. 20, 2026	Joint STATUS REPORT by AMERICAN BROADCASTING COMPANIES, INC., KABC TELEVISION, LLC, KFSN TELEVISION, LLC, KGO TELEVISION, INC., KTRK TELEVISION, INC., WABC TELEVISION (NEW YORK), LLC, WALT DISNEY COMPANY, WLS TELEVISION, INC., WPVI TELEVISION (PHILADELPHIA), LLC, WTVD TELEVISION, LLC. (Wilkinson, Beth) (Entered: 08/20/2026)	RECAP
16	Aug. 20, 2026	NOTICE of Appearance by Caroline Li on behalf of All Plaintiffs (Li, Caroline) (Entered: 08/20/2026)	RECAP
17	Aug. 20, 2026	NOTICE of Appearance by Luke Churchill on behalf of All Plaintiffs (Churchill, Luke) (Entered: 08/20/2026)	RECAP
	Aug. 20, 2026	.Order AND ~Util - Set/Reset Deadlines
	Aug. 20, 2026	MINUTE ORDER: Upon consideration of the parties' Joint Status Report 15, it is hereby ORDERED that the following schedule shall govern briefing in this case: (1) Defendants shall file their opposition to Plaintiffs' Motion for Temporary Restraining Order 2 and any motion to dismiss on or before September 3, 2026; (2) Plaintiffs shall file any reply in support of their motion and an opposition to Defendants' motion to dismiss on or before September 17, 2026; (3) Defendants shall file any reply in support of their motion on or before September 24, 2026. It is further ORDERED that the parties shall contact Courtroom Deputy Ms. Margaret Pham (margaret_pham@dcd.uscourts.gov) to schedule a hearing on the motions during the week of October 5, 2026. Finally, it is further ORDERED that if Defendants issue any hearing designation order directed at Plaintiffs' licenses, the parties will be required to appear in Courtroom 21 the following business day, at a time to be determined by the court, to hear argument on whether the court should issue a temporary restraining order. Signed by Judge Loren L. AliKhan on 8/20/2026. (lclla1)
18	Aug. 24, 2026	MOTION to Intervene by MEDIA ACTION CENTER, FREQUENCY FORWARD. (Attachments: # 1 Memorandum in Support, # 2 Exhibit)(Belendiuk, Arthur) (Entered: 08/24/2026) 1 Memorandum in Support View on RECAP 2 Exhibit View on RECAP	RECAP
19	Aug. 24, 2026	MOTION to Amend/Correct 18 MOTION to Intervene Proposed Order by FREQUENCY FORWARD. (Belendiuk, Arthur) (Entered: 08/24/2026)	RECAP
20	Aug. 25, 2026	MOTION for Leave to File Amicus Brief by KENNETH DOUGLASS NEWMAN. (Attachments: # 1 Amicus Brief, # 2 Text of Proposed Order)(mg) (Entered: 08/31/2026) 1 Amicus Brief View on RECAP 2 Text of Proposed Order View on RECAP	RECAP
21	Aug. 25, 2026	REQUEST FOR LEAVE TO FILE REVIEW. The attached document requires leave to file: MOVANT, KENNETH DOUGLASS NEWMAN'S MOTION for Permission to Use Post Office Box. Reason(s): Filer is not a party to the case. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order) (mg) (Entered: 08/31/2026)	RECAP
	Aug. 25, 2026	NOTICE of Hearing: Motions Hearing for Temporary Restraining Order and Preliminary Injunction 2 set for 10/6/2026 at 11:00 AM in Courtroom 21 (in person) before Judge Loren L. AliKhan. (mhp)
22	Sept. 3, 2026	Memorandum in opposition to re 18 MOTION to Intervene filed by AMERICAN BROADCASTING COMPANIES, INC., KABC TELEVISION, LLC, KFSN TELEVISION, LLC, KGO TELEVISION, INC., KTRK TELEVISION, INC., WABC TELEVISION (NEW YORK), LLC, WALT DISNEY COMPANY, WLS TELEVISION, INC., WPVI TELEVISION (PHILADELPHIA), LLC, WTVD TELEVISION, LLC. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(Wilkinson, Beth) (Entered: 09/03/2026) 1 Text of Proposed Order View on PACER	RECAP
23	Sept. 3, 2026	MOTION to Dismiss by BRENDAN T. CARR, JOHN DOE, 2, JOHN DOE, 1, FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION, ANNA M. GOMEZ, OLIVIA TRUSTY. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit, # 2 Exhibit, # 3 Exhibit, # 4 Exhibit, # 5 Exhibit, # 6 Exhibit, # 7 Exhibit, # 8 Exhibit, # 9 Exhibit, # 10 Exhibit, # 11 Exhibit, # 12 Exhibit, # 13 Exhibit, # 14 Exhibit, # 15 Exhibit, # 16 Exhibit, # 17 Exhibit, # 18 Exhibit, # 19 Exhibit, # 20 Exhibit, # 21 Exhibit, # 22 Exhibit, # 23 Exhibit, # 24 Exhibit, # 25 Exhibit, # 26 Exhibit, # 27 Exhibit)(Georgiev-Remmel, Dimitar) (Entered: 09/03/2026) 1 Exhibit View on PACER 2 Exhibit View on PACER 3 Exhibit View on PACER 4 Exhibit View on PACER 5 Exhibit View on PACER 6 Exhibit View on PACER 7 Exhibit View on PACER 8 Exhibit View on PACER 9 Exhibit View on PACER 10 Exhibit View on PACER 11 Exhibit View on PACER 12 Exhibit View on PACER 13 Exhibit View on PACER 14 Exhibit View on PACER 15 Exhibit View on PACER 16 Exhibit View on PACER 17 Exhibit View on PACER 18 Exhibit View on PACER 19 Exhibit View on PACER 20 Exhibit View on PACER 21 Exhibit View on PACER 22 Exhibit View on PACER 23 Exhibit View on PACER 24 Exhibit View on PACER 25 Exhibit View on PACER 26 Exhibit View on RECAP 27 Exhibit View on PACER	RECAP
24	Sept. 3, 2026	Memorandum in opposition to re 2 MOTION for Temporary Restraining Order and Preliminary Injunction filed by BRENDAN T. CARR, JOHN DOE, 2, JOHN DOE, 1, FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION, ANNA M. GOMEZ, OLIVIA TRUSTY. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit, # 2 Exhibit, # 3 Exhibit, # 4 Exhibit, # 5 Exhibit, # 6 Exhibit, # 7 Exhibit, # 8 Exhibit, # 9 Exhibit, # 10 Exhibit, # 11 Exhibit, # 12 Exhibit, # 13 Exhibit, # 14 Exhibit, # 15 Exhibit, # 16 Exhibit, # 17 Exhibit, # 18 Exhibit, # 19 Exhibit, # 20 Exhibit, # 21 Exhibit, # 22 Exhibit, # 23 Exhibit, # 24 Exhibit, # 25 Exhibit, # 26 Exhibit, # 27 Exhibit)(Georgiev-Remmel, Dimitar) (Entered: 09/03/2026) 1 Exhibit View on PACER 2 Exhibit View on PACER 3 Exhibit View on PACER 4 Exhibit View on PACER 5 Exhibit View on PACER 6 Exhibit View on PACER 7 Exhibit View on PACER 8 Exhibit View on PACER 9 Exhibit View on PACER 10 Exhibit View on PACER 11 Exhibit View on PACER 12 Exhibit View on PACER 13 Exhibit View on PACER 14 Exhibit View on PACER 15 Exhibit View on PACER 16 Exhibit View on PACER 17 Exhibit View on PACER 18 Exhibit View on PACER 19 Exhibit View on PACER 20 Exhibit View on PACER 21 Exhibit View on PACER 22 Exhibit View on PACER 23 Exhibit View on PACER 24 Exhibit View on PACER 25 Exhibit View on PACER 26 Exhibit View on PACER 27 Exhibit View on PACER	RECAP
25	Sept. 4, 2026	REQUEST FOR LEAVE TO FILE REVIEW. The attached document requires leave to file: MOVANT KENNETH NEWMAN'S Pro Se Electronic Noticing Form. Reason(s): Other- MOTION for Leave to File Amicus Brief is pending. (mg) Modified on 9/4/2026 (mg). (Entered: 09/04/2026)	RECAP
26	Sept. 4, 2026	Unopposed MOTION for Leave to File Amicus Brief by CENTER FOR AMERICAN RIGHTS. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit Proposed Brief, # 2 Text of Proposed Order)(Mills, Christopher) (Entered: 09/04/2026) 1 Exhibit Proposed Brief View on RECAP 2 Text of Proposed Order View on PACER	RECAP
27	Sept. 4, 2026	MOTION for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice :Attorney Name- Daniel R. Suhr, Filing fee $ 100, receipt number ADCDC-12655386. Fee Status: Fee Paid. by CENTER FOR AMERICAN RIGHTS. (Attachments: # 1 Declaration Declaration of Daniel Suhr in Support of PHV Motion)(Mills, Christopher) (Entered: 09/04/2026) 1 Declaration Declaration of Daniel Suhr in Support of PHV Motion View on RECAP	RECAP
28	Sept. 4, 2026	MOTION to Stay re 18 MOTION to Intervene by BRENDAN T. CARR, JOHN DOE, 2, JOHN DOE, 1, FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION, ANNA M. GOMEZ, OLIVIA TRUSTY. (Georgiev-Remmel, Dimitar) (Entered: 09/04/2026)	RECAP
	Sept. 4, 2026	.Order AND ~Util - Terminate Motions
	Sept. 4, 2026	MINUTE ORDER: Upon consideration of the Center for American Rights' Unopposed Motion for Leave to File Amicus Brief 26, it is hereby ORDERED that the motion is GRANTED and the Clerk of Court shall docket 26 -1 as the Center for American Rights' amicus brief. Signed by Judge Loren L. AliKhan on 9/4/2026. (lclla1)
	Sept. 4, 2026	MINUTE ORDER: Upon consideration of the Center for American Rights' Motion for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice 27, it is hereby ORDERED that the motion is GRANTED and DANIEL R. SUHR is granted leave to appear pro hac vice in this case. Counsel should register for e-filing via PACER and file a notice of appearance pursuant to Local Civ. R. 83.6(a). Click for Instructions. Signed by Judge Loren L. AliKhan on 9/4/2026. (lclla1)
29	Sept. 7, 2026	Memorandum in opposition to re [28] MOTION to Stay re [18] MOTION to Intervene filed by FREQUENCY FORWARD, MEDIA ACTION CENTER. (Belendiuk, Arthur)	Clearinghouse
30	Sept. 7, 2026	REPLY to opposition to motion re [18] Motion to Intervene filed by FREQUENCY FORWARD, MEDIA ACTION CENTER. (Belendiuk, Arthur)	RECAP
31	Sept. 8, 2026	NOTICE of Appearance by Daniel Robert Suhr on behalf of CENTER FOR AMERICAN RIGHTS (Suhr, Daniel) (Entered: 09/08/2026)	RECAP
	Sept. 8, 2026	MINUTE ORDER: Upon consideration of Defendants' Motion to Stay 28 and Proposed Intervenors' Opposition 29, it is hereby ORDERED that the motion is GRANTED to the extent that Defendants are under no obligation to respond to the Motion to Intervene 18 at this time. Plaintiffs have already filed an Opposition 22 to the Motion to Intervene 18, and Proposed Intervenors have filed a Reply 30, rendering the motion ripe for decision. If the court later determines that it would benefit from Defendants' position on the Motion to Intervene 18, it will direct further briefing. Signed by Judge Loren L. AliKhan on 9/8/2026. (lclla1)
	Sept. 8, 2026	.Order AND ~Util - Terminate Motions
32	Sept. 9, 2026	AMICUS BRIEF by CENTER FOR AMERICAN RIGHTS. (mg) (Entered: 09/09/2026)	RECAP
33	Sept. 10, 2026	NOTICE of Appearance by Jeremy Samuel Bloch Newman on behalf of All Defendants (Newman, Jeremy) (Entered: 09/10/2026)	RECAP
34	Sept. 16, 2026	NOTICE of Appearance by Robert Andrew Crossin on behalf of AMERICA FIRST LEGAL FOUNDATION (Crossin, Robert) (Entered: 09/16/2026)	RECAP
35	Sept. 16, 2026	Unopposed MOTION for Leave to File Amicus Brief by AMERICA FIRST LEGAL FOUNDATION. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order, # 2 Exhibit Proposed Brief)(Percival, Emily) (Entered: 09/16/2026) 1 Text of Proposed Order View on PACER 2 Exhibit Proposed Brief View on PACER	RECAP
36	Sept. 17, 2026	Unopposed MOTION for Leave to File Amicus Brief by FORMER FCC OFFICIALS. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit 1: Proposed Brief of Amici Curiae, # 2 Text of Proposed Order Exhibit 2: Proposed Order)(Lopez, Janine) (Entered: 09/17/2026) 1 Exhibit 1: Proposed Brief of Amici Curiae View on RECAP 2 Text of Proposed Order Exhibit 2: Proposed Order View on PACER	RECAP
37	Sept. 17, 2026	MOTION for Leave to File by FREQUENCY FORWARD, MEDIA ACTION CENTER. (Attachments: # 1 Memorandum in Support Opposition to Defendants' Motion to Dismiss)(Belendiuk, Arthur) (Entered: 09/17/2026) 1 Memorandum in Support Opposition to Defendants' Motion to Dismiss View on PACER	RECAP
38	Sept. 17, 2026	NOTICE of Appearance by Robert Corn-Revere on behalf of FOUNDATION FOR INDIVIDUAL RIGHTS AND EXPRESSION (Corn-Revere, Robert) (Entered: 09/17/2026)	RECAP
39	Sept. 17, 2026	NOTICE of Appearance by Ronald G. London on behalf of FOUNDATION FOR INDIVIDUAL RIGHTS AND EXPRESSION (London, Ronald)	RECAP
40	Sept. 17, 2026	MOTION for Leave to File Amicus Brief by Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression. (Attachments: # 1 Proposed order granting FIRE's motion for leave to file amicus brief, # 2 Disclosure statement, # 3 FIRE's amicus brief in support of Plaintiffs)(London, Ronald) (Entered: 09/17/2026) 1 Proposed order granting FIRE's motion for leave to file amicus brief View on PACER 2 Disclosure statement View on PACER 3 FIRE's amicus brief in support of Plaintiffs View on RECAP	RECAP
41	Sept. 17, 2026	LCvR 26.1 CERTIFICATE OF DISCLOSURE of Corporate Affiliations and Financial Interests by AMERICA FIRST LEGAL FOUNDATION (Crossin, Robert) (Entered: 09/17/2026)	RECAP
42	Sept. 17, 2026	Memorandum in opposition to re 23 MOTION to Dismiss filed by AMERICAN BROADCASTING COMPANIES, INC., KABC TELEVISION, LLC, KFSN TELEVISION, LLC, KGO TELEVISION, INC., KTRK TELEVISION, INC., WABC TELEVISION (NEW YORK), LLC, WALT DISNEY COMPANY, WLS TELEVISION, INC., WPVI TELEVISION (PHILADELPHIA), LLC, WTVD TELEVISION, LLC. (Attachments: # 1 Declaration of Beth A. Wilkinson, # 2 Exhibit 57 - 66, # 3 Declaration of Eric N. Lieberman, # 4 Text of Proposed Order)(Wilkinson, Beth) (Entered: 09/17/2026) 1 Declaration of Beth A. Wilkinson View on PACER 2 Exhibit 57 - 66 View on PACER 3 Declaration of Eric N. Lieberman View on RECAP 4 Text of Proposed Order View on PACER	RECAP
43	Sept. 17, 2026	REPLY to opposition to motion re 2 Motion for TRO,, filed by AMERICAN BROADCASTING COMPANIES, INC., KABC TELEVISION, LLC, KFSN TELEVISION, LLC, KGO TELEVISION, INC., KTRK TELEVISION, INC., WABC TELEVISION (NEW YORK), LLC, WALT DISNEY COMPANY, WLS TELEVISION, INC., WPVI TELEVISION (PHILADELPHIA), LLC, WTVD TELEVISION, LLC. (Attachments: # 1 Declaration of Beth A. Wilkinson, # 2 Exhibit 57 - 66, # 3 Declaration of Eric N. Lieberman, # 4 Text of Proposed Order)(Wilkinson, Beth) (Entered: 09/17/2026) 1 Declaration of Beth A. Wilkinson View on PACER 2 Exhibit 57 - 66 View on PACER 3 Declaration of Eric N. Lieberman View on PACER 4 Text of Proposed Order View on PACER	RECAP
44	Sept. 17, 2026	NOTICE of Appearance by Donald Beaton Verrilli, Jr on behalf of REPORTERS COMMITTEE FOR FREEDOM OF THE PRESS (Verrilli, Donald) (Entered: 09/17/2026)	RECAP
45	Sept. 17, 2026	Unopposed MOTION for Leave to File Amicus Brief by REPORTERS COMMITTEE FOR FREEDOM OF THE PRESS. (Attachments: (1) Exhibit Proposed Brief of Amicus Curiae, (2) Text of Proposed Order)(Verrilli, Donald) 1 Exhibit Proposed Brief of Amicus Curiae View on RECAP 2 Text of Proposed Order View on PACER	RECAP
47	Sept. 17, 2026	AMICUS BRIEF by AMERICA FIRST LEGAL FOUNDATION. (mg) (Entered: 09/21/2026)	RECAP
48	Sept. 17, 2026	AMICUS BRIEF by FORMER FCC OFFICIALS. (mg)	RECAP
	Sept. 17, 2026	.Order AND ~Util - Terminate Motions
	Sept. 17, 2026	MINUTE ORDER: Upon consideration of Former FCC Officials' Unopposed Motion for Leave to File Amicus Brief 36, it is hereby ORDERED that the motion is GRANTED and the Clerk of Court shall docket 36-1 as the Former FCC Officials' amicus brief. Signed by Judge Loren L. AliKhan on 09/17/2026. (lclla1)
	Sept. 17, 2026	MINUTE ORDER: Upon consideration of America First Legal Foundation's Unopposed Motion for Leave to File Amicus Brief 35, it is hereby ORDERED that the motion is GRANTED and the Clerk of Court shall docket 35 -2 as the America First Legal Foundation's amicus brief. Signed by Judge Loren L. AliKhan on 09/17/2026. (lclla1)
	Sept. 17, 2026	MINUTE ORDER: Upon consideration of Former FCC Officials' Unopposed Motion for Leave to File Amicus Brief 36, it is hereby ORDERED that the motion is GRANTED and the Clerk of Court shall docket 36 -1 as the Former FCC Officials' amicus brief. Signed by Judge Loren L. AliKhan on 09/17/2026. (lclla1)
46	Sept. 18, 2026	NOTICE of Appearance by Janine M. Lopez on behalf of FORMER FCC OFFICIALS (Lopez, Janine) (Entered: 09/18/2026)	RECAP
49	Sept. 21, 2026	AMICUS BRIEF by CLAY CALVERT, CATO INSTITUTE, COMPETITIVE ENTERPRISE INSTITUTE, FOUNDATION FOR INDIVIDUAL RIGHTS AND EXPRESSION, INSTITUTE FOR POLICY INNOVATION, MULTICULTURAL MEDIA, TELECOM AND INTERNET COUNCIL, NATIONAL COALITION AGAINST CENSORSHIP, PEN AMERICAN CENTER, INC., PUBLIC KNOWLEDGE, REPORTERS WITHOUT BORDERS, INC., RUTHERFORD INSTITUTE, SOCIETY FOR THE RULE OF LAW AND DEMOCRACY, INC.. (mg) (Entered: 09/21/2026)	RECAP
50	Sept. 21, 2026	AMICUS BRIEF by REPORTERS COMMITTEE FOR FREEDOM OF THE PRESS. (mg)	RECAP
	Sept. 21, 2026	.Order AND ~Util - Terminate Motions
	Sept. 21, 2026	MINUTE ORDER: Upon consideration of the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press's Unopposed Motion for Leave to File Amicus Brief 45, it is hereby ORDERED that the motion is GRANTED and the Clerk of Court shall docket 45-1 as the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press's amicus brief. Signed by Judge Loren L. AliKhan on 0921/2026. (lclla1)
	Sept. 21, 2026	MINUTE ORDER: Upon consideration of the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression's Unopposed Motion for Leave to File Amicus Brief 40, it is hereby ORDERED that the motion is GRANTED and the Clerk of Court shall docket 40 -3 as the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression's amicus brief. Signed by Judge Loren L. AliKhan on 09/21/2026. (lclla1)
	Sept. 21, 2026	MINUTE ORDER: Upon consideration of the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press's Unopposed Motion for Leave to File Amicus Brief 45, it is hereby ORDERED that the motion is GRANTED and the Clerk of Court shall docket 45 -1 as the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press's amicus brief. Signed by Judge Loren L. AliKhan on 0921/2026. (lclla1)
51	Sept. 24, 2026	MOTION to Strike 42 Memorandum in Opposition,, 43 Reply to opposition to Motion,, by BRENDAN T. CARR, JOHN DOE, 2, JOHN DOE, 1, FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION, ANNA M. GOMEZ, OLIVIA TRUSTY. (Georgiev-Remmel, Dimitar) (Entered: 09/24/2026)	RECAP
52	Sept. 24, 2026	REPLY to opposition to motion re 23 Motion to Dismiss,, filed by BRENDAN T. CARR, JOHN DOE, 2, JOHN DOE, 1, FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION, ANNA M. GOMEZ, OLIVIA TRUSTY. (Georgiev-Remmel, Dimitar) (Entered: 09/24/2026)	RECAP
53	Sept. 28, 2026	Memorandum in opposition to re 51 MOTION to Strike 42 Memorandum in Opposition,, 43 Reply to opposition to Motion,, filed by AMERICAN BROADCASTING COMPANIES, INC., KABC TELEVISION, LLC, KFSN TELEVISION, LLC, KGO TELEVISION, INC., KTRK TELEVISION, INC., WABC TELEVISION (NEW YORK), LLC, WALT DISNEY COMPANY, WLS TELEVISION, INC., WPVI TELEVISION (PHILADELPHIA), LLC, WTVD TELEVISION, LLC. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(Wilkinson, Beth) (Entered: 09/28/2026) 1 Text of Proposed Order View on PACER	RECAP
54	Sept. 28, 2026	NOTICE of Appearance by John Ehrett on behalf of NATIONAL REPUBLICAN SENATORIAL COMMITTEE, NATIONAL REPUBLICAN CONGRESSIONAL COMMITTEE (Ehrett, John) (Entered: 09/28/2026)	RECAP
55	Sept. 28, 2026	MOTION for Leave to File Amicus Brief in Support of Defendants by NATIONAL REPUBLICAN SENATORIAL COMMITTEE, NATIONAL REPUBLICAN CONGRESSIONAL COMMITTEE. (Attachments: # 1 Brief, # 2 Text of Proposed Order)(Ehrett, John) (Entered: 09/28/2026) 1 Brief View on RECAP 2 Text of Proposed Order View on PACER	RECAP

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Case Details

State / Territory:

District of Columbia

Case Type(s):

Speech and Religious Freedom

Special Collection(s):

Trump Administration 2.0: Challenges to the Government

Key Dates

Filing Date: Aug. 18, 2026

Case Ongoing: Yes

Plaintiffs

Plaintiff Description:

Plaintiffs are ABC, Disney, and eight ABC-owned television stations.

Plaintiff Type(s):

Private Plaintiff

Public Interest Lawyer: No

Filed Pro Se: No

Class Action Sought: Yes

Class Action Outcome: Pending

Defendants

Federal

Federal Communications Commission

Defendant Type(s):

Jurisdiction-wide

Facility Type(s):

Government-run

Case Details

Causes of Action:

All Writs Act, 28 U.S.C. § 1651

Declaratory Judgment Act, 28 U.S.C. § 2201

Constitutional Clause(s):

Freedom of speech/association

Other Dockets:

District of District of Columbia 1:26-cv-02902

Available Documents:

Complaint (any)

Trial Court Docket

Outcome

Prevailing Party: None Yet / None

Relief Sought:

Declaratory judgment

Injunction

Relief Granted:

None yet

Source of Relief:

None yet

Issues

Discrimination Area:

Content/viewpoint discrimination

Presidential/Gubernatorial Authority:

Access to information systems

Recommended Citation

Case Summary of American Broadcasting Companies, Inc. v. Federal Communications Commission, Civil Rights Litig. Clearinghouse, https://clearinghouse.net/case/48398/ (last updated 9/13/2026).