Anna Gomez’s Battle for Free Speech at the FCC

Anna Gomez, the lone Democrat on the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), starts each day by checking her phone for news that could confirm her dismissal by President Donald Trump. Her focus remains on Disney, the parent company of ABC, amid growing concerns about the administration’s approach to media censorship.

Gomez has recently issued a four-page letter to Disney’s CEO, Josh D’Amaro. She outlined the FCC’s varied investigations into Disney’s practices, from ABC’s management of a presidential debate to the moderation of show guests on “The View.” These investigations are perceived as efforts to intimidate the network. Gomez characterized the early reviews of ABC’s broadcast licenses as an aggressive move against free speech.

“This settlement did not buy you peace, it only bought you time,”

Gomez emphasized Disney’s controversial $15 million defamation settlement as unhelpful. The letter appealed to Disney and other broadcasters to resist such tactics actively. While D’Amaro has not publicly responded, Gomez finds solace in Disney’s strategy suggested in recent filings accusing the FCC of chilling protected speech.

In an interview, Gomez asserts her leadership in urging broadcasters to brace for similar encounters with the administration. Having faced the challenge of maintaining her position in a Republican-dominated landscape, her term is set to end on June 30, yet she may remain due to the Senate’s constraints and the need for a quorum.

Interview: Anna Gomez’s Insights

A letter to Disney … and a warning

Questioned about her choice to write to Disney, Gomez elaborated on her alarm regarding the administration’s censorship efforts. Her dialogues with journalists, scholars, and advocates reinforced her resolve to act. Following other networks’ settlements, she decided to publicly address these developments in her letter.

Pushing for judicial intervention

Gomez hopes for companies to contest vigorously, predicting a favorable outcome if these issues reach the courts due to the administration’s past judicial losses.

Adapting regulation to evolving media

Discussing the FCC’s role, she notes that traditionally, the FCC licenses broadcasters based on spectrum usage, emphasizing competition, localism, and viewpoint diversity. Gomez insists that the FCC should not serve as a censor.

Gomez’s Perspective on Her Role

A technocrat’s bold stance

Reflecting on her career, Gomez shares that taking a firm stand against agency and administration actions was unforeseen. Previously engaged in technical discussions, she now focuses on combating threats to constitutional free speech.

Maintaining a cordial relationship

Despite disagreements with Chairman Brendan Carr, Gomez describes a professional relationship grounded in mutual understanding and respect for her outspoken role.

Gomez acknowledges the risk of potential dismissal by the president. She regularly checks her email for any such notification, yet plans to continue her advocacy if allowed to serve beyond her term’s end, amid the political complexities surrounding her replacement.