Gomez Criticizes FCC’s “Campaign of Censorship”

FCC Chairman Brendan Carr is ordering a review of Disney’s ABC TV O&Os two years before their licenses are up for renewal. The order states the reason is violation of the Commission’s “unlawful discrimination” policy through ABC’s diversity, equity and inclusion practices. Critics of the move believe the real reason Carr is ordering the investigation is President and First Lady Trump’s anger over late night host Jimmy Kimmel’s jokes aimed at the two. FCC Commissioner Anna M. Gomez issued a statement about the order, saying, “This is the most egregious action this FCC has taken in violation of the First Amendment to date. As part of its ongoing campaign of censorship and control, the White House called publicly for the silencing of a vocal critic, and this FCC has now answered that call. This is an unprecedented and politically motivated attempt to interfere with how broadcasters operate, and this unlawful overreach will fail. This should be a lesson to media companies that no amount of capitulation to this administration will buy them protection. The only choice is to stand up and stand firm in defense of the First Amendment.”