Fcc chair Rosenworcel dismisses politically-motivated petitions

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Petitions Dismissed

Jessica Rosenworcel, the outgoing chair of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), has rejected four petitions that sought to use the agency’s TV licensing authority for political purposes. Rosenworcel emphasized the importance of protecting the First Amendment and press freedom. In a statement, Rosenworcel said, “The facts and legal circumstances in each of these cases are different.

But what they share is an attempt to weaponize the FCC’s licensing authority in a way that is fundamentally at odds with the First Amendment. To do so would set a dangerous precedent. That is why we reject it here.”

One of the dismissed petitions targeted a Fox-owned TV station, attempting to hold the Murdochs accountable for misinformation broadcast on Fox News Channel.

The other three petitions were pro-Trump and tied to the recent presidential campaign.

Rosenworcel defends FCC’s licensing independence

Rosenworcel’s action appears to be a preemptive stand against the possibility of future interference by President-elect Donald Trump, who has previously called for consequences against major American TV news networks.

The FCC, which grants eight-year license terms for TV and radio stations, has historically maintained its independence. However, Trump’s commissioner Brendan Carr has voiced support for some of the complaints against station owners. Carr noted in a statement that Rosenworcel’s decisions could be reversed under new agency leadership when Trump appointees take over.

The press freedom group, Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press, praised Rosenworcel’s decision. Bruce Brown, the executive director, remarked, “The FCC’s authority to police news content is rightfully narrow, precisely because the government should not be the arbiter of truth. The alternative is nothing short of censorship on public airwaves that continue to be an indispensable source of news for millions of Americans.”

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By rejecting these petitions, Rosenworcel has made a significant statement about the autonomy of media in the face of political pressures and the role of the FCC in safeguarding press freedom.

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