Following President Trump's request for the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to revoke CBS's broadcast license and impose "maximum fines and punishment," the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation (ITIF) has expressed opposition. Joe Kane, the director of Broadband and Spectrum Policy at ITIF, issued a statement addressing the issue.
Kane stated, "Chairman Carr should reject President Trump’s call for content-based action against broadcast spectrum licenses. FCC rules that draw content-based lines for fines and licensing decisions rely on outdated assumptions about spectrum scarcity to incorrectly diminish First Amendment protections." He emphasized that "The Commission should uphold the rule of law, not become a partisan tool to punish disfavored viewpoints."
President Trump's request comes amid ongoing tensions between political figures and the media. The issue highlights the balance between regulatory authority and freedom of speech under the First Amendment.
For additional information on the ITIF's perspective, contact Austin Slater at [email protected]