Pai rebukes Trump on broadcaster license revocation

“I believe in the first amendment,” FCC Chairman Pai said at an AT&T policy event, rebuking President Trump’s vague call to “challenge” broadcast licenses for reporting critical coverage. “Under the law, the FCC does not have the authority to revoke license of a broadcast station based on content of a program.”

Trump recently tweeted “With all of the Fake News coming out of NBC and the Networks, at what point is it appropriate to challenge their License? Bad for country!” Trump appointed Pai to FCC Chairman earlier this year.

Pai’s remarks followed public outrage and a letter signed by labor leaders, former FCC commissioners, and leaders of civil rights and public interest groups calling on Pai to publicly rebuke Trump’s comments.

“Above all, the First Amendment declares that the government shall not censor news because it’s critical of the government,” the letter read. “We strongly urge you to publicly stand against this administration’s latest assault on press freedom.”

The letter was signed by CWA President Chris Shelton, NABET-CWA President Charlie Braico, TNG-CWA President Bernie Lunzer, former FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler, former FCC Commissioner Gloria Tristiani, as well as leaders of civil rights, media rights, and public interest groups.

Links:

FCC doesn't have authority to revoke license over content, says chairman (The Hill, Oct. 17, 2017)

Letter urging Chairman Pai to publicly rebuke Trump’s licensing comments (Free Press, Oct. 13, 2017)