Luján Introduces Legislation to Prevent Reprisals Against News Outlets Based on their Point of View

Press Release

In February, President Trump told a crowd of supporters that the American news media is the "enemy of the people." Because the federal government is charged with overseeing much of the media industry, including all interstate and international communications by radio, television, wire, satellite and cable in all 50 states, the President's comments raise serious concerns.

To ensure the American people continue to benefit from a robust public dialogue and a free news media, Congressman Ben Ray Luján (D-NM) today introduced a bill that will prevent the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) -- or any other government agency--from taking action against broadcasters or anyone else on the basis of their viewpoint.

"I am troubled by President Trump's shameful assertion that a free and independent press are America's enemies. I am also troubled that just days later, FCC Chairman Ajit Pai refused to answer questions as to whether he agreed with the President," said Luján "The FCC is an agency that plays a pivotal role in the licensing of entities that provide news and information -- an agency that was established to be independent of White House control. My bill, the Protecting Dissenting Viewpoints and Voices Act, is essential to ensure the American people are protected from government reprisals based on their viewpoints."

Lujan's bill prevents the FCC from revoking radio or television stations' licenses or other authorizations based on the viewpoints expressed by broadcasters or news outlets. The bill also prohibits the FCC from placing conditions on any merger it reviews that constrain the viewpoints expressed. The bill does allow the FCC to continue to take action against indecent speech on air, and allows the FCC to regulate several other statutorily prohibited forms of speech.

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