ABC network accuses Trump of pressure tactics, sues over probe into Disney-owned TV licenses

ABC is accusing US President Donald Trump’s administration of employing pressure tactics that have forced the television network to make programming compromises such as refraining from booking political candidates on its popular daytime talk show, “The View,” for fear of retaliation.

The network and its parent company Disney sued the Federal Communications Commission on Tuesday in an effort to block the agency’s unusual early review of broadcast licenses for eight Disney-owned local TV stations. They argue that the administration is unlawfully seeking to punish the network over its broadcast content and force changes in its programming.