FCC Commissioner Anna Gomez wants broadcasters to fight back. She’s urging the NAB to defend election coverage more forcefully.
What We Know: Gomez, the commission’s lone Democrat, sent a letter to NAB CEO Curtis LeGeyt on Oct. 22. urging the group to speak out against what she describes as pressure on broadcasters from the Trump administration. Moreover, The letter follows an Oct. 21 post from FCC Chairman Brendan Carr. He warned that stations airing polls that violate their obligations could face news distortion or hoax scrutiny. Gomez also criticizes equal-time guidance for candidate interviews, which she contends the FCC’s Media Bureau issued without a vote from the full commission. Additionally, she argues the guidance is already affecting coverage. She points to ABC’s lawsuit, which states that no candidate has appeared on its daytime show The View since the FCC opened an investigation in February.
What They Said: “Your organization (NAB) speaks for thousands of stations nationwide, many of which do not have the legal resources or the political standing to push back on their own when the FCC comes calling.” -Anna Gomez
“We appreciate Commissioner Gomez’s recognition of the value of local broadcasters and her commitment to the First Amendment principles that underpin a free press. We will continue working with her and all policymakers to protect broadcasters’ rights and strengthen local stations’ ability to deliver trusted news and information to the communities they serve.”-Curtis LeGeyt, NAB President and CEO
What Remains Unclear: It’s unclear whether NAB will take the stronger stand Gomez wants. The group thanked her for her letter but didn’t address her criticism. Additionally, neither the FCC or White House formally responded to the letter. Meanwhile, no station is reported to be under investigation over poll coverage. Whether the FCC’s warning will lead to an inquiry remains to be seen.
What It Means: This fight could shape how far government reaches into newsrooms. Gomez argues that licensing power gives regulators leverage, so even vague warnings may push stations toward safer election coverage. If that happens, viewers could see fewer poll stories and fewer candidate interviews just as voters are making decisions. Because the FCC licenses broadcasters but not cable or print outlets, local stations would feel the pressure first. Ultimately, courts could decide where the line sits, and their ruling may guide how future administrations treat the press.
Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. Sign up for our newsletters to stay updated and get the latest information right in your inbox.
