Judge Seeks More Briefing After ABC Challenges Early FCC License Review

U.S. District Judge Loren AliKhan requested more government briefing after a two-hour hearing in Washington on ABC’s challenge to an early review of eight broadcast-station licenses. She issued no ruling and asked the government to explain what alternatives the FCC had to demanding early renewal applications. ABC attorney Beth Wilkinson argued that regulatory threats were already affecting editorial decisions, while government counsel said the network should pursue administrative remedies before seeking judicial review. The FCC’s April order linked the early renewals to an investigation that included possible unlawful discrimination.