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Chairpersons

Senator Lujan Calls for Immediate Oversight Hearing of FCC on Chairman Carr's Censorship Efforts

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

U.S. Senator Ben Ray Lujan (D-N.M.) has called on Senate Commerce Committee Chairman Ted Cruz to invite the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for an immediate oversight hearing in light of recent events. Senator Lujan, the ranking member of the Senate Commerce Committee's Subcommittee on Telecommunications and Media, expressed concern over Chairman Brendan Carr's actions, which he believes have turned the agency into the President's "personal speech police." Senator Lujan urged Chairman Cruz to co-sponsor his bill, the Broadcast Freedom and Independence Act, which would prohibit the FCC from revoking broadcast licenses or taking action against broadcasters based on the viewpoints they air.

Key Takeaways:

  • Senator Lujan has requested an immediate oversight hearing of the FCC to examine Chairman Carr's actions and consider legislation to prevent further weaponization of the Commission.
  • The letter highlights Chairman Carr's censorship efforts, including threats against ABC/Disney, and cases where he has used his position to benefit President Trump in lawsuits against media organizations.
  • Senator Lujan believes that Chairman Carr's actions have turned the FCC into the President's "personal speech police" and have eroded trust in government and undermined the freedom of the press.
  • The Broadcast Freedom and Independence Act would prohibit the FCC from revoking broadcast licenses or taking action against broadcasters based on the viewpoints they air.
  • Senator Lujan asserts that the Commerce Committee has a clear responsibility to conduct rigorous oversight of the FCC Chairman and that the Commission has become a tool for executive branch influence.
  • The letter mentions several examples of Chairman Carr's censorship efforts, including threats against Comcast, investigations into ABC/Disney, and abuse of position in the Paramount-Skydance merger.

Statistics:

  • The Commerce Committee has a responsibility to conduct rigorous oversight of the FCC Chairman.
  • The FCC hasoperated under a mandate to maintain a careful distance from executive branch influence, but Chairman Carr's tenure has been defined by his censorship efforts.
  • There have been several examples of Chairman Carr's censorship efforts, including:

+ Threats against ABC/Disney over coverage of President Trump on the ABC show, "The View".

+ Renewed calls to investigate "The View" program.

+ Abuse of position in the Paramount-Skydance merger to benefit President Trump in his lawsuit against Paramount.

+ Threat to launch a "news distortion" investigation against Comcast.

Sources:

  • U.S. Senator Ben Ray Lujan (D-N.M.)
  • Senate Commerce Committee
  • Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
  • Senate Commerce Committee's Subcommittee on Telecommunications and Media
  • Broadcast Freedom and Independence Act (bill number not specified)

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