FCC chair says broadcast networks could violate regulatory obligations by airing 'fake polls'
XLC•FCC Chair Brendan Carr said broadcast networks could violate regulatory obligations by airing polls he called fake or designed to suppress turnout. He did not identify any specific polls.
1. Carr warns broadcasters
Carr said the FCC takes the issue seriously and suggested airing such polls could violate its news distortion rules. He said there had been a significant surge in polls designed to interfere with the electoral process ahead of the November midterm elections.
2. Commissioner cites standard
FCC Commissioner Anna Gomez said a broadcaster would have to deliberately misrepresent something of significant importance to violate the rules. She said an incorrect poll would not, by itself, fit the news distortion policy.
