Gomez says FCC staff-level reviews dangerous for democracy

Gomez says FCC staff-level reviews dangerous for democracy

FCC Commissioner Anna Gomez has publicly expressed concerns about the potential implications of staff-level reviews on the agency's democratic principles. In a recent statement, Gomez highlighted the dangers of allowing such reviews to influence the FCC's decision-making process, arguing that it could lead to a concentration of power and a lack of transparency .

Gomez's comments come amidst growing scrutiny over the FCC's recent actions, particularly its handling of the indefinite suspension of late-night comedian Jimmy Kimmel's show on ABC. The suspension was announced following FCC Chairman Brendan Carr's criticism of Kimmel's remarks about Charlie Kirk's assassination . Carr defended the threat of investigation, stating that broadcasters with FCC licenses have a unique obligation to operate in the public interest .

Gomez, who was appointed by a Democratic president, has been a vocal critic of the current FCC's approach to public interest obligations. She has previously raised concerns about the agency's enforcement of these obligations and the potential for political bias in decision-making processes . In her recent statement, Gomez emphasized that staff-level reviews should not be used to circumvent the democratic oversight and accountability that are essential to the FCC's operations.

The FCC's authority over programming is limited, according to its own website, with the agency's primary role being to ensure that broadcasters operate in the public interest . However, Gomez's concerns suggest that the current focus on staff-level reviews could undermine this principle and lead to a more centralized decision-making process.

The debate over the FCC's role in regulating broadcasting and the impact of its decisions on public discourse is likely to continue, with both supporters and critics of the agency's actions weighing in. As the FCC grapples with these issues, it will be crucial for the agency to maintain transparency and democratic accountability in its decision-making processes.