FCC leader opposes Trump's proposal to revoke CBS's broadcasting permit due to Harris' appearance on '60 Minutes'
Lately, the ex-president has been criticizing the Harris interview, claiming that CBS News manipulated the conversation with correspondent Bill Whitaker. On Thursday, he utilized his Truth Social platform once more to attack what he described as a "monstrous Fake News Deception," alleging that "60 Minutes" altered Harris' responses to make her appear more favorable.
"60 Minutes represents a major segment of CBS News' Broadcasting Empire, which has now concocted the Most Expensive Hoax in Broadcast History," Trump penned. "CBS should lose its broadcasting license, and it should be sold to the Highest Bidding Party, just like all other Broadcast Licenses, because they are all as corrupt as CBS – and maybe even MORE SO!"
In a response, Rosenworcel highlighted that the government body "does not and will not revoke licenses for broadcast stations merely because a political figure disagrees with or dislikes the content or coverage."
"Repeated accusations against broadcast stations by the former President may now be commonplace, but these threats to free speech cannot be disregarded," Rosenworcel stated. "As I've mentioned earlier, the First Amendment is a fundamental pillar of our democracy."
Trump's criticism of CBS emerged following his decision to terminate his own "60 Minutes" interview last week as well as repeatedly declining invitations from television networks such as CNN and Fox News for additional debates, preferring to engage in interviews with conservative media platforms instead.
Following September's ABC Trump-Harris debate, Trump phoned into "Fox & Friends," where he urged for the network's broadcasting license to be revoked.
Rosenworcel's statement marked the second time that week she has expressed support for broadcasters. On Tuesday, the FCC chairwoman published a statement condemning the Health Department of Florida's threats against local TV stations over an abortion rights advertisement as "dangerous," and emphasizing that any pressure from governmental bodies "undermines the fundamental principle of free speech."
The media sector, including platforms like CBS News, has a significant influence in the broader business landscape. Trump's ongoing criticism of CBS News and its programming, such as "60 Minutes," has caused a stir in the media business world.
