Disney’s ABC has sued the Federal Communications Commission in federal court, accusing the agency of using its authority over broadcast licenses to pressure the network over its programming and news coverage. ABC says the Trump administration has repeatedly targeted the network over content, including Jimmy Kimmel’s late-night commentary and political discussions on “The View.” The network argues that forcing its eight ABC-owned stations to seek license renewals years earlier than scheduled is an unconstitutional attempt to punish ABC for its speech. ABC has also asked the court for a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction to stop the FCC’s renewal proceedings while the legal fight plays out. The dispute has intensified under FCC Chairman Brendan Carr. ABC says the pressure has created a situation in which the company must worry that ordinary editorial decisions could jeopardize its stations’ licenses. As an example, ABC pointed to its decision to livestream an address by President Trump that it had previously chosen not to broadcast live. Disney CEO Josh D’Amaro has said the company intends to defend what it considers journalistic independence and won't allow the government to dictate how that part of its business operates. The FCC has also been investigating whether “The View” violated equal-time requirements after a political candidate appeared on the program. ABC argues that the government is effectively using the licensing process as leverage to influence the network's content.