Center for American Progress Action

EVENT ADVISORY: Trump’s Unconstitutional Plan To Weaponize the FCC Against Media Companies
Press Advisory

EVENT ADVISORY: Trump’s Unconstitutional Plan To Weaponize the FCC Against Media Companies

Washington, D.C. — In recent weeks, Donald Trump has increased his attacks on media networks, including CBS and ABC, calling for the Federal Communications Commission (FCC)—an independent agency—to revoke broadcast licenses of stations affiliated with those networks.

Trump also continues to denigrate the mainstream media and specific reporters with whom he disagrees. In 2023, he called for Comcast, the parent company of NBC, to be investigated “for treason” due to its news coverage and said that if he is reelected president, the news media would pay “a big price.”

Please join the Center for American Progress Action Fund to explore how these attacks on the independent news media are deeply dangerous to democracy and follow the well-worn path of authoritarian and fascist policies around the world that try to stifle press freedom. As the current FCC chairwoman has said, Trump’s statements pose a serious threat to First Amendment free speech rights. Discussion will highlight how everyday Americans will be hurt if the FCC revokes TV licenses, depriving people of their favorite local news, entertainment programs, and sports.

WHO: 

Opening Remarks:
Rep. Ed Markey, D-MA

Distinguished Panelists:
Ruth Ben-Ghiat, Historian, Educator, and Commentator; Preeminent Scholar of Fascism
Tom Wheeler, Former Chairman, Federal Communications Commission 

Moderator:
Michael Sozan, Senior Fellow, CAP Action

WHEN: 

Friday, November 1, 2024
11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. ET

WHERE: 

To join our online audience, please RSVP at this link

If you have questions for our panel, please submit them on X, formerly Twitter, using the hashtag #CAPEvents or via email at [email protected]

For more information or to speak with an expert, please contact Sam Hananel at [email protected] 

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