FCC Inquired Broadcaster's Intentions Ahead of Trump Speech

The FCC contacted major broadcast station groups before President Donald Trump’s July 16 prime-time speech on election security to ask about their coverage plans, Bloomberg News reported Tuesday.

FCC Chairman Brendan Carr’s office reached out informally and sought details on whether and how the companies would air the address. The agency also sent at least one formal letter of inquiry to a station group about its handling of the event.

Brendan Carr

Several national networks, including CNN, NBC and ABC, declined to carry the speech live on their regular channels but made it available on their streaming platforms. During the address, Trump accused the networks of a “plot” and said their licenses should be revoked. Broadcast networks have previously chosen not to air prime-time speeches by other presidents.

While national networks usually decide primetime programming for affiliates, some station ownership groups have independently aligned with Trump administration preferences. Last year, Nexstar Media Group and Sinclair temporarily preempted Jimmy Kimmel Live! on their ABC stations after controversial remarks by the host. Walt Disney Co., ABC’s parent, is already in conflict with the Trump administration and the FCC over broadcast licenses and content decisions. 

When asked whether the networks’ refusal to air the speech would affect ongoing FCC investigations into ABC, Carr said last month that “there are going to be points raised that relate to Disney’s decision there.” 

Carr's OfficeABC sued the FCC last week, seeking to stop the license reviews and calling them an illegal “retaliatory campaign.”