Statement on ABC’s Stand Against Government Censorship

Amid growing backlash from journalists and the American public against government censorship and the media consolidation that enables it, ABC has become the first major network to take a bold public stance against efforts by the federal government to chill protected speech.

In a filing made public on Friday, ABC called out the Federal Communications Commission for overstepping its regulatory authority by attempting to put pressure on a news program, The View, because it hosts guests who are critical of President Trump. 

“We applaud ABC for pushing back against a blatant attack on press freedom,” said Anjuli Kronheim Katz, Executive Director of the Committee for the First Amendment. “Large media corporations hold tremendous power to defend journalists against political pressure and uphold the constitutional principles that protect independent reporting. The Committee encourages and will stand behind any other network that is willing to use that power. Courage is contagious.”

Under Chairman Brendan Carr, the FCC has fostered a climate of fear and intimidation by directing scrutiny toward certain outlets, raising serious concerns about biased enforcement and political retaliation. Protecting the free press from regulatory overreach will require collective action not only from journalists, activists, and the public, but from major institutions and corporations. We commend ABC and hope the outpouring of support for its decision encourages other media companies to hold the line as well.