FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
WASHINGTON

March 17, 2017

OFFICE OF
THE CHAIRMAN

The Honorable Bill Nelson
Ranking Member
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation
United States Senate
254 Russell Senate Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20510
Dear Senator Nelson:
Thank you for your letter following up on the recent hearing held by the Senate
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. I welcome the opportunity to reiterate
my strong support for the First Amendment rights of the media and all Americans.
A free media is vital to our democracy. That is why during my time at the Commission I
have consistently opposed any effort to infringe upon the freedom of the press and have fought to
eliminate regulations that impede the gathering and dissemination of news. For example, in my
2016 dissent to the Commission's media ownership order, I said, "[o]f course, newspaper
reporters continue to do important work throughout our country each and every day. Many were
recently reminded of the impact that their stories can have through the 2015 film Spotlight,
which won the Academy Award for Best Picture. The movie focused on The Boston Globe's
investigation into widespread child sex abuse by Roman Catholic priests in and around Bostonreporting that ended up having a worldwide impact on the Catholic Church. But given the
newspaper industry's profound financial troubles, it is becoming harder and harder for
publications to do this type of investigatory journalism, hold our elected officials to account, and
let Americans know what is going on in their communities."
So long as I am privileged to serve as Chairman, I will continue to respect the First
Amendment.
I should note that at the hearing, I was asked if I agreed with the President that the media
was the "enemy" of the people. However, the President has made clear that he was referring to
"fake news." As I stated at the hearing, these comments are part of a larger political debate into
which I will not be wading.
With that in mind, here are my answers to the specific questions you ask in your letter:
1. No.
2. Yes.
3. Yes.
4. No.

5. Yes.

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6. Yes.
As Chairman of the FCC, I take my oath to defend and protect the Constitution seriously.
And the preservation of the First Amendment is the foundation of that commitment.
Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance.