Carr, Gomez Clash Over FCC Warning To Broadcasters

FCC Chairman Brendan Carr said his warning about “fake” election polls targets fabricated surveys, not good-faith reporting. Commissioner Anna Gomez countered that airing a poll—even one later shown to be fabricated—does not, by itself, meet the legal standards for news distortion or a broadcast hoax.

Asked whether there was evidence that broadcasters had aired the polls Carr cited, he said he did not know. He also said he was unaware of an FCC investigation, but urged the public to file complaints. Carr named polling outlets he alleged were inventing results, saying politicians in both parties had complained that the polls harmed their fundraising and campaigns.

Commissioner Gomez

Gomez said the rules require deliberate distortion of factual reporting or knowingly broadcasting false information about a crime or catastrophe that causes immediate harm. “Simply reporting on a poll that turns out later to be inaccurate or … fabricated” does not meet that standard, she said. Gomez said she knew of no broadcaster or investigation involving such a case.

The exchange followed the FCC’s October open meeting, where commissioners unanimously approved eight items, none directly targeting broadcasters. Reporters also asked about the agency’s review of Disney’s broadcast licenses and political advertising rates.

Chairman Carr

No timeline for Disney decision

The FCC has not set a timeline for deciding whether to renew Disney’s broadcast licenses, Chairman Brendan Carr said.

The agency is reviewing documents related to its diversity, equity and inclusion investigation and petitions seeking to block early renewal of Disney’s licenses, Carr said. He did not say whether the FCC would wait for a ruling in Disney’s lawsuit before acting.

Commissioner Anna Gomez said she did not know the status of the review. She added that Disney would prevail in its legal challenge on First Amendment grounds.