1A Advocates Concerned Over KCBS Investigation

The FCC has launched an investigation into KCBS, a San Francisco-based radio station, for its reporting on immigration enforcement activities in San José last month. This action has raised alarms among press freedom advocates and has sparked criticism from right-wing commentators directed at the station.

In a Fox Digital News interview, FCC Chairman Brendan Carr explained that the investigation was initiated because KCBS disclosed real-time locations and descriptions of vehicles used by immigration officials on January 26.

"We have issued a letter of inquiry, formally starting an investigation into this issue, giving them just days to respond and clarify how this aligns with their public interest responsibilities," Carr stated.

Advocates for the First Amendment are concerned that such an investigation might deter media outlets from covering the Trump administration's large-scale deportation initiatives.

"Immigration enforcement, like other law enforcement actions, concerns the public interest," said David Loy, legal director at the First Amendment Coalition told KQED-FM . "The public has a right to know about these events through various media. This investigation could suggest the FCC is being used to suppress journalism the administration dislikes."

Loy further expressed concern that this could intimidate other news entities, suggesting that even without formal charges, the threat of government scrutiny can be punitive.

"It's an exercise in intimidation. The process itself becomes the punishment," Loy remarked. "Journalists might have to constantly worry about government retaliation for reporting on unfavorable topics."

In the aftermath, KCBS faced a backlash on social media, with many users calling for the station's license to be revoked. By Thursday afternoon, the initial reports were no longer visible on the station's website. Neither KCBS nor its parent company, Audacy, have responded to requests for comment.

Last year, Carr had previously criticized the FCC's decision to approve aspects of Audacy's bankruptcy plan involving investment from George Soros's fund, which has been a target for conservative criticism. Carr pledged to reevaluate this decision after his appointment by Trump to head the FCC.