Discussion on ABC’s Lawsuit Against FCC

FCC Commissioner Anna Gomez commented on ABC and Disney’s lawsuit against the Federal Communications Commission. The companies claim that the FCC retaliated due to their news coverage and programming. Gomez, the only Democrat on the FCC, spoke to Morning Edition about this issue.

“Disney has shown courage in this situation,” Gomez stated in her conversation with NPR’s Leila Fadel. “This is a positive step for the First Amendment, beneficial to the public, and advantageous for broadcasters overall.”

FCC Chairman Brendan Carr responded, asserting that the agency is adhering to obligations ensuring broadcasters serve the public interest. In a separate interview with NPR’s David Folkenflik, Carr indicated that Disney and ABC acted prematurely, as the FCC has not yet made a decision on renewing licenses for eight ABC-owned stations.

Gomez disagreed with Carr’s perspective. She argued that the public interest standard was being interpreted to imply content disfavored by officials was against public interest. Gomez also addressed the notion that her critique of the FCC is politically motivated. She referred to past Republican FCC leaders, along with Republican Senators Ted Cruz and John Kennedy, who have also expressed concerns regarding the agency’s activities and their potential impact on First Amendment rights.

“Protecting the First Amendment is not a partisan issue,” Gomez emphasized. “There is bipartisan backing for upholding the First Amendment.”

The full interview can be accessed by clicking the play button in the audio player. Written by Majd Al-Waheidi and edited by Treye Green.

Editor’s note: Disney provides financial support to NPR.