ABC enlists viewers in free-speech fight with Trump’s FCC | CNN Business

ABC is asking viewers to help defend its local stations and “The View” as Disney’s fight with the Trump administration moves into a new public phase. On Monday, Disney’s local ABC stations began to air messages alerting viewers to the government’s virtually unprecedented challenges to their station licenses. The ads urge viewers to contact the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) by scanning a QR code that links to the agency’s public comment page. “Channel 7 has proudly served you for more than 75 years,” one of the spots airing on WABC in New York says, but “now the FCC is questioning our commitment to the community. Show your support.” ABC says Trump’s FCC is threatening free speech in ‘The View’ probe “You have until July 29th to tell the FCC to keep your trusted local station on the air,” the spot adds. The ads are timed to the public comment period for the FCC’s demand that Disney reapply early for the renewal of its station licenses. WABC and the company’s seven other stations ordinarily have their licenses renewed every eight years without any commotion, but this year, President Donald Trump’s allies have turned licensing into a high-p