Trusty Warns FCC Must ‘Walk Carefully’ on Broadcast Regulation

WASHINGTON, Oct. 31, 2025 – Federal Communications Commissioner Olivia Trusty used a speech before the Media Institute on Wednesday to deliver a strong defense of First Amendment principles, even as she affirmed that federal law still grants the FCC authority to regulate broadcast content.

“Broadcasting is treated differently than most Americans might expect,” Trusty said. “Yes, the First Amendment still applies… But in broadcasting, content-based regulation that would be unthinkable in other contexts is indeed permitted under longstanding doctrine.”

Trusty’s comments come as free speech advocates warn that the FCC’s powers over broadcast licenses could be misused to punish speech critical of government officials.