FCC Signals Guidance on TV 'Fake Polls' Ahead of 2026 Midterms as Trump Targets NBC
Updated
Updated · Fox News · Sep 7
FCC Signals Guidance on TV 'Fake Polls' Ahead of 2026 Midterms as Trump Targets NBC
3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Sep 7
Summary
Brendan Carr said the FCC could soon issue guidance to broadcast TV networks on airing what he called “fake polls” before the 2026 midterms, arguing they could be used to suppress voters.
Carr tied the warning to broadcasters’ public-interest obligations, saying stations use FCC-licensed public airwaves and receive effectively taxpayer-subsidized distribution, unlike cable channels or online platforms.
The comments followed Trump’s August 30 attack on NBC’s Kristen Welker over her description of his endorsement record; he said NBC should face FCC “rebuke or punishment” for using “freely given Public Airwaves.”
NBC defended Welker as “one of the best in the business,” while FCC Commissioner Anna Gomez said the agency has no authority to punish journalists and called such threats to press freedom dangerous.