FCC Commissioner Simington Defends Fox's License Renewal Amid Controversy

In a surprising move, FCC Commissioner Nathan Simington has stepped forward to defend the license renewal of Fox Television Stations' WTXF "FOX 29" in Philadelphia, dismissing efforts by a grassroots organization to strip the station of its license. Simington's statement comes as a direct response to letters from Senators Ed Markey and Ron Wyden, who had urged the FCC to act objectively and uphold the First Amendment in its licensing decisions.

Upholding the First Amendment: FCC Commissioner Simington's Stance

Dismissing Attempts to Revoke Fox's License

Commissioner Simington has taken a firm stance in support of Fox Television Stations, calling for an end to the ongoing dispute over the license renewal of WTXF. In his statement, Simington indirectly dismissed the efforts of the Media and Democracy Project (MAP) and former television executive Preston Padden, who had petitioned the FCC to deny the license renewal, alleging that Fox Corporation had "manipulated its audience by knowingly broadcasting false news about the 2020 election."Simington's response to the senators' letters was unequivocal. He stated, "I am pleased to commit to making license determinations objectively and fairly, in compliance with the Communications Act and in a manner that upholds the First Amendment. The Commission can demonstrate its commitment to these principles by bringing the intentional and unwarranted political delay in the renewal of WTXF-TV's broadcast license to a close."

Upholding the First Amendment: Simington's Stance

Simington's stance on the matter appears to be firmly rooted in his belief that the FCC should not use its licensing authority to retaliate against broadcasters based on their content or coverage. This position aligns with the concerns expressed by Senators Markey and Wyden, who had written to the FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel, warning against the "weaponization of the FCC" and any attempts to revoke licenses due to political disagreements.In their letter, the senators had specifically referenced former President Donald Trump's comments on Fox News, where he had suggested that ABC's license should be revoked for its handling of the presidential debate. Rosenworcel had swiftly rejected this notion, stating that the "First Amendment is a cornerstone of our democracy" and that the FCC does not revoke licenses based on political disagreements with content or coverage.

Simington's Interpretation: Upholding Objectivity and Fairness

Simington's response to the senators' letter suggests that he shares their concerns about the FCC's role in protecting the First Amendment. He has made it clear that he is committed to making license determinations "objectively and fairly, in compliance with the Communications Act and in a manner that upholds the First Amendment."This stance puts Simington at odds with the efforts of Padden and MAP, who have been pushing for the FCC to deny Fox's license renewal based on the alleged broadcasting of false news. Simington's position appears to be that the FCC should not engage in such "intentional and unwarranted political delay" in the license renewal process, regardless of the nature of the allegations against the broadcaster.

The Ongoing Debate: Balancing Accountability and Free Speech

The dispute over the WTXF license renewal highlights the delicate balance that the FCC must strike between holding broadcasters accountable for their actions and upholding the principles of free speech and press freedom. While the allegations against Fox Corporation are serious, Simington's stance suggests that he believes the FCC should not use its licensing authority as a tool for political retaliation or to silence dissenting voices.As the FCC continues to receive filings from various parties on the WTXF license renewal, the debate is likely to intensify. The outcome of this case will have significant implications for the future of media regulation and the role of the FCC in ensuring a free and independent press.