Senate Democrats press top media regulator Brendan Carr to back off ABC
Summary
Senate Democrats sent a letter to Brendan Carr, chair of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), asking him to cancel an order requiring ABC to apply early for license renewals. They said the order was an abuse of power linked to complaints about ABC's content and President Donald Trump’s reaction to a comedian’s joke.Key Facts
- Brendan Carr is the FCC chair and is described as aligned with President Trump.
- The FCC ordered ABC to apply early for renewal of eight TV station licenses, originally due between 2028 and 2031.
- The order came shortly after President Trump and the First Lady criticized ABC’s comedian Jimmy Kimmel.
- Senate Democrats consider the early renewal demand an abuse of the FCC’s powers and a First Amendment violation.
- The letter was led by Senators Markey, Schumer, Cantwell, and Luján, with eight more senators signing.
- The FCC is investigating ABC on other issues, including a 2024 complaint about presidential debate moderation and possible equal time rule violations.
- Senators asked Carr for details on how and why the early renewal order was made and if there was communication with the White House.
- Carr denied any outside pressure influenced the FCC’s decision.
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