Former Fox executive calls on FCC to review petition for revoking Fox 29’s broadcast license.

A former executive of Fox Broadcasting has urged the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to reconsider a request aimed at revoking the broadcasting license of Fox 29, the network’s Philadelphia-area affiliate. Preston Padden, who held a senior executive position at Fox in the 1990s, has emerged as a prominent critic of Fox News, particularly regarding its coverage of the 2020 presidential election—a topic that has drawn widespread scrutiny and legal challenges in recent years.

In a letter submitted to the FCC on Tuesday, Padden contends that Fox and its owners, the Murdoch family, deceived the public by perpetuating the false narrative that the 2020 election was stolen. He points to findings from a pivotal defamation lawsuit filed against Fox News by Dominion Voting Systems, which culminated in a 7 million settlement. Padden argues that these actions have eroded public trust in the electoral process.

Padden’s communication to the FCC emphasizes that the harmful consequences of misinformation spread by Fox News should not be overlooked. His letter calls on the agency to reconsider its earlier dismissal of a challenge to Fox 29’s license renewal, which was initially brought to light by the Media and Democracy Project, a nonprofit organization that describes itself as nonpartisan.

The FCC previously dismissed this challenge in January, asserting that the accusations centered on the network’s national coverage rather than local journalism. Former FCC chairperson Jessica Rosenworcel, appointed by President Joe Biden, reinforced the agency’s commitment to preserving First Amendment rights, commenting that it is vital to ensure clarity regarding government interference with the press during challenging times.

The case initiated by the Media and Democracy Project centers on whether Fox has violated character requirements for broadcast license holders, notably the prohibition against disseminating “false information that causes substantial public harm.” This issue is particularly significant in the current media landscape, where misinformation plays a critical role in shaping public opinion.

Fox Network representatives have responded by asserting that revoking Fox 29’s license would conflict with First Amendment protections. Meanwhile, the challenge remains pending, awaiting a decision from FCC chairperson Brendan Carr, who is a Trump appointee and has faced criticism for his management of broadcasters’ editorial practices.

As tensions surrounding media regulations and misinformation campaigns escalate, experts anticipate that this scenario may lead to further legal scrutiny and potential court challenges concerning the FCC’s decisions in relation to broadcasting licenses.