The Society of Professional Journalists is criticizing FCC Chairman Brendan Carr’s warning that broadcasters airing purportedly fake polls could violate federal rules. In an Oct. 28 statement, SPJ said regulatory threats risk discouraging legitimate election coverage and undermining editorial independence.
Carr’s Oct. 21 comments followed revelations that Wedgewood Polling had fabricated data that appeared in polling databases used by news organizations. SPJ acknowledged the seriousness of fabricated polling while distinguishing deliberate deception from journalists reporting information in good faith.
The organization pointed to FCC guidance requiring evidence of deliberate distortion for enforcement. It urged newsrooms to preserve their editorial independence and offered legal support to journalists concerned about the warning’s impact on election reporting.
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