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F.C.C. Asks Court to Toss ABC Suit Over Broadcast Licenses

The New York Times · Jim Rutenberg · last updated

The network sued the agency last month to stop it from taking steps that could force ABC stations off the air. The F.C.C. said the lawsuit was premature.

The Federal Communications Commission asked the federal court in Washington on Thursday to dismiss a lawsuit from ABC, disputing the network’s claim that the agency was conducting an “extraordinary assault” against its free speech rights.

ABC sued the F.C.C. last month over its efforts to possibly strip the network’s local broadcasting licenses.

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