In this discussion, Gigi Sohn, former FCC official and media advocate, and Thomas Hazlett, economics professor and author, shed light on the FCC's evolving role in regulating media. They explore recent actions against major networks over alleged political bias and the complexities of modern telecommunications. David Folkenflik from NPR highlights tensions surrounding media trust, while Daniel Sir weighs in on the implications of scrutinizing public media funding. The conversation uncovers the ongoing battle for fair treatment and transparency in an ever-changing media landscape.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is currently short a commissioner, and the Biden Administration and Senate Democrats just can't seem to get that seat filled despite having nominated an amazingly qualified person. Her name is Gigi Sohn. The inability to get Gigi confirmed at the FCC has left the commission deadlocked with two Democrats and two Republicans. That means the commission in charge of regulating all telecom in the United States, including how you get your internet service, is unable to get much done. The Biden administration can't accomplish some of its biggest policy priorities like rural broadband and restoring net neutrality. President Biden first nominated Gigi Sohn to the FCC over a year ago, but the full Senate vote to confirm her just hasn't happened. We’ve been digging into the story for a few months now, trying to figure out what's going on here, and we found a simple but really frustrating answer…Links:Gigi Sohn Author Profile - The Verge Comcast trying to “torpedo” Biden FCC pick Gigi Sohn, advocacy group saysThe Slime Machine Targeting Dozens of Biden NomineesAttempted acquisition of Tribune Media by Sinclair Broadcast GroupThe Vergecast: Net neutrality was repealed a year ago. Gigi Sohn explains what’s happened since Confirmation Hearing for FCC and Commerce Department NomineesBiden signs $280 billion CHIPS and Science Act Biden Signs Bill to Help Veterans Exposed to Toxic Burn PitsWith the Inflation Reduction Act, the US brings climate goals within reach Federal Communications Commission v. Pacifica Foundation Federal Communications Commission v. Pacifica Foundation A Media Censor for the FCC? Hyperpartisan Gigi Sohn Doesn’t Belong at the FCCGigi Sohn and the PoliceGigi Sohn Facebook TweetTech antitrust pioneer Lina Khan will officially lead the FTCConfirmation Hearing For FCC NomineeFCC Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel on staying connected during a pandemicTranscript:https://www.theverge.com/e/23201559Credits:Decoder is a production of The Verge and part of the Vox Media Podcast Network.Today’s episode was written and reported by Jackie McDermott.It was produced by Creighton DeSimone and Jackie McDermott and it was edited by Callie Wright. Additional mixing by Andrew Marino.The Decoder music is by Breakmaster Cylinder. Our Editorial Director is Brooke Minters and our Executive Director is Eleanor Donovan. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Gigi Sohn, a distinguished fellow at Georgetown Law's Institute for Technology Law and Policy and an expert in tech policy, discusses the hot topics in telecommunications. She dives into the implications of the Sprint and T-Mobile merger, addressing concerns about competition and market dynamics. The conversation also highlights ongoing state-level net neutrality bills and the complexities emerging in tech regulations. Sohn critically examines whether Dish Network can emerge as a viable fourth carrier amid these changes.