Outgoing Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chair Jessica Rosenworcel has publicly criticized President-elect Donald Trump for his threats to penalize broadcast networks he believes are unfairly critical of him. In her recent appearance on the “Politico Tech” podcast, Rosenworcel made it clear that the FCC has no role in revoking broadcast licenses based on presidential disapproval of media content. This comes as it has come under pressure for both sides to punish what they see as unfair news coverage.
“The FCC has no business threatening to take away broadcast licenses because the president does not like the content or coverage on a network,” Rosenworcel stated. She emphasized that this principle of free speech extends to online content as well, highlighting the FCC’s commitment to First Amendment duties.
Trump’s criticisms of the media intensified following his presidential debate with Vice President Kamala Harris on ABC, where the anchors fact-checked his statements in real-time. His frustration further escalated when CBS’s “60 Minutes” aired an interview with Harris, which he had declined. Trump accused CBS of manipulating the interview to favor Harris, suggesting that the network should lose its broadcasting license as a consequence.
This also comes as Democrats asked the FCC to block Fox from renewing ownership of some of its local TV stations over issues with Fox News. Many Democrats are upset with Fox News coverage and have tried to get the FCC crackdown. This includes Democrats trying to block the sale of a radio station in Flordia to a conservative outlet, something the FCC chairwoman said back in 2021 she would not do and that it was none of the FCC’s business what people’s political views are.
In response, Rosenworcel reiterated the FCC’s stance, “We make decisions about communications based on the record, based on the facts, and based on the law. And not based on the whims coming out of the White House or the grievances of the president.”
Back in October, in response to the CBS interview controversy, she told The Hill, “As I’ve said before, the First Amendment is a cornerstone of our democracy. The FCC does not and will not revoke licenses for broadcast stations simply because a political candidate disagrees with or dislikes content or coverage.”
Her comments come at a time when media freedom is under scrutiny, especially with the incoming administration’s known stance against what it perceives as biased media coverage. Rosenworcel’s strong stance serves as a reminder of the FCC’s independence from political pressures, safeguarding the principles of free speech in the media landscape.
So far, the FCC, under Jessica Rosenworcel, has done its best to stay neutral on these issues when pressured by Democrats and Republicans.