August 7, 2026 - SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom on Thursday issued a statement on the Federal Communications Commission weakening broadcast media ownership protections:

FCC Chairman Brendan Carr

The Trump administration continues to chip away at the foundations of our democracy — one decision at a time — to pave the way for a propaganda machine for his MAGA agenda. Today’s move flagrantly flouts longstanding limits on media monopolies set by Congress. This will make it easier for Trump, through his proxies and toadies, to control what Americans see, hear, and read. This attack on independent, local news is straight out of a dictator’s playbook.

A free press is essential to a free society. Democracies depend on a diverse media landscape that isn’t polluted by political loyalty or ideological conformity.

Governor Gavin Newsom

Source: Office of the Governor