U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), the lead Democrat on the U.S. Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, has opened an inquiry into actions taken by the Federal Communications Commission directed at radio and television outlets. Blumenthal says the “unprecedented, intrusive investigations” appear to be apparent retaliatory actions against news organizations targeted by President Trump.
In a letter to Enforcement Bureau acting Chief Patrick Webre and Media Bureau acting Chief Erin Boone, Blumenthal seeks information about eight recent investigations and complaints by the FCC. They include a probe into Audacy all-news KCBS/KFRC San Francisco (740/106.9) for airing specific details about an immigration enforcement action during a news report. It also looks for more information into what led the FCC to open an investigation into whether NPR and PBS stations are violating the terms of their authorizations to operate as noncommercial educational stations by running underwriting announcements on behalf of for-profit entities. Other actions cited include the revived dismissed license renewal challenges to TV stations owned by ABC, CBS, and NBC for programming that Trump has criticized.
“Each of these eight actions single out media broadcasters that faced the wrath of President Trump during his Presidential campaign, including actual litigation or outright threats of investigations in retaliation for perceived negative coverage,” Blumenthal writes. “This exclusive targeting to the apparent benefit of the President is further reflected in the fact that other media broadcasters, particularly allies of the President, have not faced any similar scrutiny.”
The letter requests information and documents about the legal standards that the FCC is now operating under. It also asks for information about what investigations the Commission has recently opened, including whether there are inquiries focusing on media entities favored by Trump that have engaged in the same activities.
Blumenthal’s letter describes FCC Chair Brendan Carr’s apparent break from FCC’s past legal interpretations and guidance, including Carr’s own positions prior to becoming Chair of the FCC. “Every newsroom, affiliate group, and broadcaster across the country faces the possibility of burdensome investigations, fines, and even the revocation of licenses for disfavored speech or a change in political winds — they will pay a price if the targeted newsrooms do not conform to President Trump’s preferred political narratives,” Blumenthal writes.
Carr — who boasted online Monday that he caught a ride home from Mar-a-Largo during the weekend aboard Air Force One — said the scrutiny that he has placed on media outlets so far is “a good start.”
With no suggestion of retreat, several Senate Democrats this month introduced a bill that they said aims to draw attention to what they believe is a “weaponization” of the FCC against broadcasters. Dubbed the Broadcast Freedom and Independence Act, it would prohibit the FCC from revoking broadcast licenses or taking action against broadcasters based on the viewpoints they air. The legislation would also reaffirm the importance of the independence of the FCC, including that the President should not mandate the FCC’s agenda.