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The Foundation of Individual Rights and Expression blasted the FCC for its news distortion investigation of CBS News, calling it an “unconstitutional abuse of regulatory authority” and “illegitimate show trial.”
The broadside from the free-speech advocacy group was co-authored by Robert Corn-Revere, FIRE chief counsel and former FCC general counsel.
The FIRE comments were among more than 8,000 that have come in response to the FCC Chairman Brendan Carr launching an investigation into whether CBS News’ 60 Minutes had unfairly edited an interview with Kamala Harris to make her look better prior to the election and his unusual decision to seek public comment on the probe.
Most commenters were individuals opposed to the investigation, far outnumbering those who favor action. But most of the opposition filings stemmed from an organized campaign, in which the same language was used.
The investigation traces back to Donald Trump. He filed a $20 billion fraud suit against CBS News for the broadcast, and the pro-Trump Center for American Rights (CAR) followed with a complaint at the FCC that it violated the agency’s seldom enforced news distortion rule.
In Jessica Rosenworcel’s final days as FCC chair, the staff dismissed the CAR complaint. But Carr, Trump’s hand-picked replacement, resurrected it soon after taking over in January.
Over the past several weeks, Trump and CBS parent Paramount Global have been locked in locked in it talks to settle the lawsuit and FCC complaint. Paramount is eager to settle so that it can clear the way for its sale to Skydance Media for $8