Incoming FCC Chairman Says ’60 Minutes’ Complaint “Likely to Arise” in Review of Skydance Deal

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As a long-time gamer who has seen countless twists and turns in the world of politics and media, this news about the FCC potentially investigating CBS over editing an interview with Vice President Kamala Harris feels like a whole new level in the game of power plays. It’s not every day that we see the FCC taking a closer look at broadcasting practices, let alone during a presidential transition period!

It’s possible that the Federal Communications Commission will closely examine a distortion allegation directed at CBS, concerning their editing of an interview involving Vice President Kamala Harris.

Brendan Carr, expected to become FCC chairman following President Trump’s inauguration in January, stated on Fox News that it is probable the concern will emerge during the FCC’s examination of Skydance‘s planned acquisition of Paramount Global, the holding company for CBS.

Broadcasters have unique positions compared to regular speakers because they’re granted free use of a precious public resource, the airwaves, and are regulated by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). In return, they should prioritize serving the public’s best interests. I believe it’s crucial that we reevaluate this arrangement and strengthen its purpose,” Carr stated. “Additionally, there’s a complaint about news distortion at the FCC concerning CBS, and CBS has a pending case before the FCC. I’m quite certain that the news distortion complaint regarding the CBS ’60 Minutes’ transcript will be brought up during the FCC’s review of this transaction.

60 Minutes interviewed Harris in October, just prior to the election. During the interview, Harris provided different responses to the same question in a promotional video compared to her answers given during the actual broadcast.

CBS stated they utilized a condensed version of the same response in the final edit, explaining that the segment on her answer during 60 Minutes was more concise, thus enabling them to cover various topics within their extensive 21-minute discussion.

The Center for American Rights chose to lodge a grievance with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), citing their news manipulation policy – a move seldom utilized by the Commission in the past.

Additionally, Carr asserted that NBC breached the Fairness Doctrine (equivalent to the FCC’s equal time rule) by inviting Harris onto Saturday Night Live before the election. In response, NBC provided President Trump with equal airtime during a NASCAR race and on Sunday Night Football following her appearance. As per FCC records, the network also allotted time to Robert F. Kennedy Jr. during a prime-time SNL special the next Monday night, as well as an episode of The Voice.

Additionally, he urged other potential presidents to lodge a grievance with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) should they believe they weren’t afforded an equitable amount of airtime.

During his interview with Fox News, Carr expressed his intention to tackle prominent technology firms and confront established media corporations if appointed as FCC chairman.

Carr expressed that the current situation, especially regarding traditional media, should be altered. He emphasized that combating tech censorship is of utmost importance for him.

Carr stated that free speech forms the foundation of our democratic system, yet there’s been an unparalleled rise in suppression of speech during the past few years. It’s crucial that we reinforce the original intent of the First Amendment for American citizens.

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2024-11-19 20:54