Federal Communications Commission Chairman Brendan Carr said the agency is exploring guidance for broadcast networks regarding the airing of 'fake polls' in the lead-up to the November midterm elections.
The remarks follow criticism from President Donald Trump, who accused NBC News host Kristen Welker of mischaracterizing his endorsement record during a broadcast segment. Trump claimed Welker’s comments about his primary election endorsements were inaccurate and suggested she should face consequences under FCC rules.
FCC’s potential actions
Carr, speaking on Fox News’ Sunday Briefing, emphasized that broadcast television operates under distinct federal requirements due to its use of public airwaves, which receive taxpayer-subsidized distribution. He argued that networks receiving these benefits must serve the public interest rather than advancing partisan agendas.
“Broadcasters get billions of dollars in taxpayer, effectively, subsidized distribution,” Carr stated. “And what they’re supposed to do in exchange is operate in the public interest, not some sort of narrow, partisan interest.”
The FCC has not yet issued formal guidance but indicated it may soon remind broadcasters of their obligations regarding misleading or partisan polling data aired on their platforms.
Trump’s response to Welker’s remarks
Trump criticized Welker’s August 30 segment on NBC’s Meet the Press, where she noted his endorsement record had “mixed results” despite recent primary victories for candidates he backed. Trump countered that his endorsements have a 100% success rate in Senate races and a 98% success rate in House races, calling Welker’s remarks “fake news.”
In a post on Truth Social, Trump demanded the FCC investigate Welker’s comments, writing: “How can anyone be allowed to say this, working for freely given Public Airwaves?” He added that the press was a “disgrace” and urged the FCC to take his concerns “very seriously.”
Background on FCC authority
The FCC regulates broadcast television under the Communications Act of 1934, which requires stations to operate in the public interest. Unlike cable or digital platforms, broadcasters must renew their licenses periodically, a process that could theoretically factor in compliance with these standards. Carr has previously suggested that broadcasters’ editorial decisions, including coverage choices, may influence future license renewal considerations.
The agency’s potential guidance on polling comes amid heightened scrutiny of media accuracy during election cycles, with critics and supporters alike debating the role of polls in shaping voter perceptions.