ABC has filed an aggressive defense against Federal Communications Commission regulatory action, accusing the agency of violating the network's free speech rights and creating a chilling effect on political content.

The commission replied, in a statement emailed to The Associated Press, that equal time law “encourages more speech and empowers voters to decide the outcome of elections. The FCC will review Disney’s assertion that ‘The View’ is a ‘bona fide news program’ and thus exempt from the political equal time rules.”

ABC has set its summer premiere dates, including the renewal announcements for a number of its unscripted shows. “Celebrity Family Feud” hosted by Steve Harvey, “Press Your Luck” with Elizabeth Banks,