Anna Gomez, one of two sitting commissioners at the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), wrapped up a West Coast tour by meeting with executives at three of the four major broadcast networks this week.
Gomez met with executives and senior managers at Fox, the Walt Disney Company’s ABC and Comcast’s NBC during her trip, her office said in a statement. The meetings were designed to better understand the challenges facing the broadcast television industry at a time of increased competition from other players, including major technology firms that back streaming video platforms, which face fewer regulations and restrictions compared to over-the-air, licensed broadcast TV outlets.
“I was glad to meet with media executives to better understand the challenges they face in a changing media landscape and the ways in which the FCC can help support the broadcast industry,” Gomez said. “These visits also led to important conversations about the vital responsibilities that corporate parents have to defend their First Amendment rights and ensure their news divisions remain free of political interference. In a democracy, the public’s trust in news media is paramount, and it requires news organizations to prioritize independent reporting over outside political pressure.”
Competition aside, broadcasters also noted that their editorial operations have faced ongoing pressure from federal regulators and the White House since the inauguration of President Donald Trump to a second term in office.
