US Justice Department opposes immediate hearing in Disney ABC license lawsuit

WASHINGTON, Aug 20 (Reuters) - The U.S. Justice Department on Thursday urged a judge not to schedule an immediate hearing on Disney's suit that seeks to block the Federal Communications Commission early review of licenses for the entertainment giant's eight company-owned ABC stations.

Disney asked a federal judge to hold a hearing by Tuesday on its request for a temporary restraining order while the government said that was not necessary. The FCC has agreed to provide at least 48 hours' notice before issuing an order to refer Disney's ABC licenses for a hearing.