Meeting Overview
The Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) recent open meeting agenda focused on technical issues such as satellite broadband, a licensing framework for the lower 37-gigahertz spectrum, and proposed rules to block robocalls. Commissioners presented their views and voted unanimously on the proposals, while Chairman Brendan Carr, appointed by Donald Trump, managed proceedings efficiently, despite his somewhat exuberant demeanor. Observers noted that the FCC appeared to operate as usual, regardless of changes in the administration.
Press Q&A Session
During the customary press Q&A session, journalists questioned Carr about his recent actions, particularly his use of authority to investigate news organizations that aired stories unfavorable to Donald Trump. This included a probe into CBS’s editing of a "60 Minutes" interview with then-candidate Kamala Harris. Despite the absence of evidence suggesting journalistic misconduct, Trump had insisted that CBS should lose its license over the story, also suggesting similar actions against other networks.
Historical Context
Before Trump’s return to office, then-FCC Chair Jessica Rosenworcel dismissed the complaint. She clarified that the agency did not revoke licenses based on a politician’s dissatisfaction with media coverage. However, upon his appointment as FCC chair in late January, Carr reopened the investigation, defying Trump’s executive order prohibiting federal measures that unconstitutionally infringe on free speech.
Carr’s Stance
In response to questions about CBS, Carr stated that "all options remain on the table," including the potential revocation of the network’s broadcast license. He indicated that NBC and other networks covering a specific immigration case might face similar scrutiny, rationalizing that broadcast content must serve the public interest. He suggested that networks unable to comply could resort to podcasting.
Broader Implications
Critics argue that "the public interest" is being narrowly defined as favoring content Trump approves of. Although the FCC can issue sanctions for deliberate news distortion, such provisions are not applicable in these instances. According to Commissioner Anna Gomez, this approach is seen as a mechanism for controlling the media and penalizing dissent.
Cross-party Concerns
The concerns transcend political lines. In March, conservative figure Grover Norquist and other ultra-conservatives requested Carr to dismiss the case, fearing regulatory overreach could set a dangerous precedent. Carr defended his stance by emphasizing support for local news over large networks, though Gomez reported that local broadcasters are apprehensive about potential FCC scrutiny based on their reporting content.
