Federal Communications Commission Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel has spoken out following repeated calls by former President Trump to revoke the licences of broadcast stations for political reasons.

“While repeated attacks against broadcast stations by the former President may now be familiar, these threats against free speech are serious and should not be ignored,” she stated.” “As I’ve said before, the First Amendment is a cornerstone of our democracy. The FCC does not and will not revoke licences for broadcast stations simply because a political candidate disagrees with or dislikes content or coverage.”

Chairwoman Rosenworcel has previously spoken out against efforts by political candidates or government officials to influence the content shared by broadcast stations. Following the Presidential debate in September, she rejected calls by former President Trump to revoke ABC’s licence. She has also warned against threats by the Florida government against broadcast stations.

According to Aaron Terr, director of public advocacy at the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE), freedom of the press isn’t a government privilege — it’s a First Amendment guarantee.

“The First Amendment ensures media outlets, from CBS to ABC to FOX, can present news and opinions without fear of retaliation from powerful government officials who dislike the outlets’ coverage. The appropriate remedy for perceived bias or unfairness in the media must never be state censorship. Politicians, other outlets, and members of the public can respond, criticise, and offer alternative viewpoints — all of which has happened here. That’s how it works in a free society,” he asserted.

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Categories: Articles, Broadcast, Business, Policy, Regulation

Tags: ABC, FCC, Federal Communications Commission, Jessica Rosenworcel, President Trump