Over 25,000 Citizens Urge FCC to Investigate FOX Affiliate's Broadcast License Renewal

In a significant display of public concern, more than 25,000 individuals from across the United States have joined the Media and Democracy Project (MAD) in calling for the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to investigate FOX Corporation's broadcast license renewal application. The petition, which includes signatories from all 50 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico, focuses on FOX's Philadelphia affiliate WTXF and raises questions about whether the media giant's actions during the 2020 election violated FCC rules on character qualifications for broadcast licensees.

The 611-page filing, submitted on the one-year anniversary of MAD's original Petition to Deny, argues that FOX's conduct during and after the 2020 presidential election warrants a thorough examination by the FCC. Milo Vassallo, MAD's executive director, emphasized the rarity of such widespread public engagement in an FCC proceeding, highlighting the importance of educating Americans about the commission's role in assessing broadcast licensee character.

The petition cites FOX's alleged spreading of misinformation about the 2020 election as a primary concern. It contends that the company's actions, driven by profit motives, may have contributed to undermining the electoral process and the events leading to the January 6, 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol. This claim is supported by evidence from the Dominion v. FOX court decision, which revealed troubling details about the network's internal decision-making processes.

Former FOX Broadcasting executive Preston Padden noted the unprecedented nature of the situation, stating, "Never in the history of the Commission has the agency been confronted with a license renewal applicant whose parent company was found by a court of law to have repeatedly presented false news." This statement underscores the gravity of the allegations and the potential implications for broadcast standards and public trust.

The petition has garnered support from a diverse group, including former FCC officials, media veterans, and First Amendment scholars. This broad coalition argues that FOX's actions represent a severe breach of the FCC's policy on licensee character qualifications and warrant a full investigation.

In addition to calling for a hearing, MAD has requested that the FCC compel FOX to produce key nonpublic discovery from its various lawsuits. This move aims to ensure full transparency and accountability for the company's actions during the contentious period surrounding the 2020 election.

The FCC's response to this petition could have far-reaching implications for media regulation and the standards expected of broadcast licensees. As the commission considers its next steps, the case highlights ongoing debates about the role of media in democracy, the responsibilities of news organizations, and the balance between free speech and the public interest in accurate information.

The unprecedented scale of public involvement in this FCC proceeding underscores the growing concern among citizens about the integrity of media institutions and their impact on democratic processes. As the situation unfolds, it may prompt broader discussions about media ownership, editorial responsibility, and the regulatory framework governing broadcast media in the United States.