February 1, 2025 - WASHINGTON - Commissioner Anna M. Gomez issued the following statement today after reports that the FCC has escalated its investigation into a complaint against CBS that had been previously dismissed as insufficient by agency experts:

“During these last two weeks, the FCC has shown a concerning pattern of implementing the will of the Administration on issues that go far beyond our core responsibilities.  These actions disregard long-standing norms and ignore the mandate granted by Congress to the FCC to act as an independent agency.  They also set a dangerous precedent that threatens to undermine trust in the agency’s role as an impartial regulator.

This latest action to weaponize our broadcast licensing authority is no different.  It revives a complaint that had been previously dismissed by FCC experts due to lack of evidence and because it fell far short of the high standard needed for agency action.

Let’s be clear.  This is a retaliatory move by the government against broadcasters whose content or coverage is perceived to be unfavorable.  It is designed to instill fear in broadcast stations and influence a network’s editorial decisions.

The Communications Act clearly prohibits the Commission from censoring broadcasters and the First Amendment protects journalistic decisions against government intimidation.  We must respect the rule of law, uphold the Constitution, and safeguard public trust in our oversight of broadcasters.”
Source: FCC