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Donald Trump has called for the broadcast licenses to be revoked for negative coverage and selective editing of some interviews during the 2024 campaign. NAB CEO and President Curtis LeGeyt has responded to those threats.
Trump has put outlets like CBS and ABC in his crosshairs for what he has labeled as biased coverage against his campaign. Lawyers for the former President sent a letter to CBS demanding that the network “preserve all communications and documents” regarding its 60 Minutes interview with Vice President Kamala Harris. He has asked for an FCC investigation for the handling of the ABC News Presidential Debate from last month, as well.
On Tuesday, LeGeyt responded to the threats made by the Republican nominee, stating that the calls go against the nation’s founding principles.
“From our country’s beginning, the right of the press to challenge the government, root out corruption, and speak freely without fear of recrimination has been central to our democracy. Times may have changed, but that principle – enshrined in the First Amendment – has not,” LeGeyt said in a statement. “The threat from any politician to revoke a broadcast license simply because they disagree with the station’s content undermines this basic freedom.”
LeGeyt’s comments are similar to those of FCC Chair Jessica Rosenworcel who pushed back on the comments made by the presidential candidate earlier this month.
“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,” said Rosenworcel. “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.”
