President-Elect Trump has had a love-hate relationship with the news media, and comments he has repeatedly made about the broadcast licenses of news outlets critical of him has led to fears of retribution. It has also led to speculation that the Federal Communications Commission may adopt updates to rules related to public interest standards before the new administration takes over in January as a way to stymie any attempts at payback. Current FCC Chair Jessica Rosenworcel declined to say one way or the other Thursday but told reporters the law is already clear.
“Under the Communications Act, every broadcaster that uses public airwaves has a duty to act in the public interest,” Rosenworcel said. “It is essential that every public servant honor the Constitution. The First Amendment is a cornerstone of our democracy, and the FCC should not be in the business of taking away broadcast licenses because a public official does not like the content or coverage on that station.”
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