On the Media An FCC Commissioner Sounds the Alarm. Plus, the Finale of The Divided Dial
60 snips
May 30, 2025 
Anna Gomez, soon the lone Democratic commissioner at the FCC, discusses her concerns about the weaponization of her agency against public media. She highlights the alarming influence of political motivations on media integrity and First Amendment rights. The conversation also touches on the surprising battle for shortwave radio frequencies, where creative pirate broadcasters face off against wealthy entities looking to monetize the airwaves. Gomez advocates for preserving public access and the unique voices in media that challenge mainstream narratives.
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FCC's Weaponization Threatens Press
- The FCC is increasingly used as a political weapon, targeting broadcasters over editorial decisions without commissioner oversight.
- Actions by staff under delegated authority bypass review, undermining the commissioner's role and chilling free press.
News Distortion Claims Lack Merit
- The FCC investigations into alleged news distortion by broadcasters lack evidence and violate free press protections.
- Such probes create chilling effects, making reporters self-censor to avoid FCC scrutiny.
FCC Probes Mask Political Motives
- FCC investigations against public broadcasters like NPR focus on sponsorship notices but mask underlying political motives.
- These probes threaten editorial independence under the guise of regulatory compliance.
