WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Chairwoman of the FCC on Thursday issued a statement in response to a second call by former President Trump to revoke the license of a broadcast station for what she views are political reasons.
At issue for Trump: CBS’s signature “60 Minutes,” and how the former leader viewed an interview conducted with his challenger in the 2024 U.S. presidential race, Vice President Kamala Harris.
For Trump, editing conducted in the Harris interview is unacceptable, and grounds for CBS stations losing their license. In a post made on the Truth Social platform by Trump on Thursday morning, the Republican nominee for President wrote, “60 Minutes is a major part of the News Organization of CBS, which has just created the Greatest Fraud in Broadcast History. CBS should lose its license, and it should be bid out to the Highest Bidder, as should all other Broadcast Licenses, because they are just as corrupt as CBS — and maybe even WORSE!”
Rosenworcel, who previously issued a statement after the former president suggested ABC have their broadcast licenses revoked for how they handled the debate between him and Harris, immediately responded.
“While repeated attacks against broadcast stations by the former President may now be familiar, these threats against free speech are serious and should not be ignored,” Rosenworcel said. “As I’ve said before, the First Amendment is a cornerstone of our democracy. The FCC does not and will not revoke licenses for broadcast stations simply because a political candidate disagrees with or dislikes content or coverage.”
Trump’s criticisms focused on a difference in questioning from CBS journalist Bill Whitaker in a promo spot for “60 Minutes” to the question that aired on the newsmagazine. Harris’ response in the promo appeared to be longer than that aired on the program, Trump and other political conservatives attest.
While CBS had not commented to news organizations about the matter, it is common for promotional spots for a program to be produced ahead of final edits and preparation for a broadcast such as that of “60 Minutes.”
Conservatives, and the former President, find that explanation flimsy.
