Venture capitalist and tech entrepreneur David Sacks has called for a reevaluation of the broadcasting licenses held by major networks.
Sacks contends that these networks have blatantly failed in their duty to serve the public interest, a requirement tied to their access to the public airwaves.
According to the Federal Communications Commission:
Before we can renew a station’s license, we must first determine whether, during the preceding license term, the licensee has served the public interest, has not committed any serious violations of the Communications Act or the FCC’s rules, and has not committed other violations which, taken together, would constitute a pattern of abuse.
The FCC cannot prevent the broadcast of any particular point of view. In this regard, the Commission has observed that “the public interest is best served by permitting free expression of views.” However, the right to broadcast material is not absolute. There are some restrictions on the material that a licensee can broadcast.
We also do not review anyone’s qualifications to gather, edit, announce, or comment on the news. These decisions are the station licensee’s responsibility. Nevertheless, there are two issues related to broadcast journalism that are subject to Commission regulation: hoaxes and news distortion.
The FCC has stated that “rigging or slanting the news is a most heinous act against the public interest.” The Commission will investigate a station for news distortion if it receives documented evidence of rigging or slanting, such as testimony or other documentation, from individuals with direct personal knowledge that a licensee or its management engaged in the intentional falsification of the news. Of particular concern would be evidence of the direction to employees from station management to falsify the news.
Where has the FCC been for the last 10 years?
Who is in control of the FCC?
The agency is directed by five commissioners who are appointed by the President of the United States and confirmed by the U.S. Senate. The president also selects one of the commissioners to serve as chairman.
Who are the five commissioners of the FCC?
Jessica Rosenworcel. Chairwoman.
Brendan Carr. Commissioner.
Geoffrey Starks. Commissioner.
Nathan Simington. Commissioner.
Anna M. Gomez. Commissioner.
Who does the FCC answer to?
Congress
As a Commission, the FCC is a U.S. government agency independent of the Executive Branch and is directly responsible to Congress. The Communications Act of 1934 gave the FCC authority over “all services affected to be all those which rely on wires, cables or radio as a mean of transmission”.
It’s surprising that they’re not calling Kamala ads PSAs.