FCC Chairman Discusses Guidance on Polling Practices Ahead of Midterms

<p>The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) may issue guidance to broadcast television networks regarding what FCC Chairman Brendan Carr referred to as "fake polls" ahead of the midterm elections.</p><p>During an appearance on "The Sunday Briefing," Carr explained that broadcast television is subject to different federal regulations than cable channels or online platforms, as these stations operate under FCC licenses.</p><p>"The one thing that President Trump gets, fundamentally, is that broadcast TV is completely different than other forms of distribution, including cable," Carr stated on Sunday.</p><p>He added, "And so many broadcasters right now, they [want to] break the deal that they cut with the American people. They get billions of dollars in taxpayer, effectively, subsidized distribution. And what they're supposed to do in exchange is operate in the public interest, not some sort of narrow partisan interest."</p><p>His remarks follow President Donald Trump's criticism of NBC News’s Kristen Welker on August 30, regarding what he claimed was a mischaracterization of his endorsement record in political primaries. Welker, during a segment on a local NBC affiliate, mentioned that Trump would "loom large" over the midterms while discussing his endorsement record.</p><p>"He, of course, has endorsed a slate of candidates in the primaries," Welker noted. "He's had some mixed results, but most recently, his pick of Senator Darline Graham, of course, the sister of the late Senator Lindsey Graham, was successful in her primary battle."</p><p>Trump responded on Truth Social, stating, "Kristen Welker, the Unpopular ‘Hostess’ of the once great Meet the Press, now considered Meet the Fake Press, just stated that Donald Trump has ‘mixed results’ on his Endorsements of Candidates," while highlighting his endorsement record, including his support of Sen. Darline Graham.</p><p>Trump further expressed concern over Welker's comments, saying, "How can anyone be allowed to say this, working for freely given Public Airwaves? Results are attached. Because of this purposeful inaccuracy, she will be reported to the FCC for rebuke or punishment."</p><p>NBC News defended Welker in a statement to Fox News Digital, affirming their support for the "Meet the Press" moderator. "Kristen is one of the best in the business, and we stand by her," an NBC News spokesperson said.</p><p>Carr indicated that there has been heightened interest in reminding broadcasters of their obligations regarding what he termed "fake polls," which he warned could potentially suppress voter turnout ahead of the midterms.</p><p>"I think President Trump is over the target, and we're looking at a lot of actions. For instance, there's a lot of interest right now in fake polls that are out there," Carr said.</p><p>He added, "And so the FCC may put guidance out soon to remind broadcasters about their obligations with respect to not airing fake polls, particularly if they're done to suppress people heading into the fall."</p><p>FCC Commissioner Anna Gomez publicly opposed the idea of penalizing reporters, stating on X, "As I've said many times, the FCC has no authority to punish journalists this administration doesn’t like. These threats to press freedom are dangerous. They undermine the foundation of our democracy, and they have no place in it."</p><p><i>Fox News’s CJ Womack contributed to this report.</i></p>