ABC can beat Trump FCC's license threat if owner Disney is willing to fight

The FCC has ordered Disney to seek early renewal of ABC station licenses after criticism tied to Jimmy Kimmel.

Legal experts say the Telecommunications Act of 1996 makes it very hard for the FCC to revoke or deny renewal without clear rule violations.

The dispute is testing how far the agency can use its licensing power against a major broadcaster.

It also raises questions about whether the 1996 law can protect broadcasters from political retaliation.