FCC’s Anna Gomez Supports ABC’s Lawsuit for First Amendment Protection

FCC Commissioner Anna Gomez expressed support for ABC and Disney’s lawsuit against the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). The companies aim to challenge what they perceive as retaliation stemming from their news coverage and programming. Gomez emphasized the lawsuit’s significance in safeguarding the First Amendment.

In a conversation with NPR’s Leila Fadel, Gomez remarked, “Disney has found its courage, and it is pushing back. This action benefits the First Amendment, the public, and broadcasters in general.”

FCC Chairman Brendan Carr stated that the agency is enforcing regulations requiring broadcasters to operate in the public’s interest. He told NPR’s David Folkenflik that Disney and ABC might be acting prematurely, as the FCC has not yet made a decision regarding the license renewal of eight ABC-owned stations.

Gomez disagreed with Carr’s views, suggesting the public interest standard is misused to imply disapproval of certain content. She further dismissed claims that her critique of the FCC is partisan, noting past Republican FCC chairs and commissioners, alongside Republican senators Ted Cruz and John Kennedy, have raised similar concerns regarding the FCC’s actions potentially impacting First Amendment rights.

“Protecting the First Amendment is not a partisan issue,” Gomez insisted. “There is bipartisan support for respecting the First Amendment.”

The full interview can be heard by accessing the audio player above.

This article was written by Majd Al-Waheidi and edited by Treye Green.

Editor’s note: Disney is a financial supporter of NPR.