Full Breakdown
FCC Chairman Warns Broadcast Networks Over “Fake Polls” Ahead of Midterms
9/8/2026, 12:43:18 AM
Core Event: FCC Signals Possible Crackdown on Broadcast Polls
Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Brendan Carr told Fox News’ “The Sunday Briefing” that the agency is preparing guidance to remind broadcast television stations of their obligations not to air “fake polls,” especially if such polls are used to suppress voters heading into the fall midterm elections. Carr linked the prospective guidance to President Donald Trump’s recent accusation that NBC journalist Kristen Welker deliberately mischaracterized his endorsement record.
Background & Context: Trump’s Attack on NBC and Ongoing Legal Battles
On August 30, President Trump criticized Welker for describing his primary-endorsement track record as “mixed,” calling her reporting a “purposeful inaccuracy.” Welker had noted that Trump’s endorsed candidate Senator Darline Graham won her primary, while other Trump-backed candidates lost. The president’s complaint has been forwarded to the FCC for possible rebuke or punishment. The dispute arises amid an ABC lawsuit filed on Aug. 18, alleging that the administration is conducting a retaliatory campaign against the network and seeking to block any FCC action that could affect ABC’s license renewal applications.
Official Statements & Responses
Carr emphasized that broadcast TV operates under FCC licenses and must serve the public interest rather than partisan goals. FCC Commissioner Anna Gomez publicly rejected any notion that the agency could punish journalists, calling the threats to press freedom “dangerous” and contrary to democratic foundations.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The one thing that President Trump gets, fundamentally, is that broadcast TV is completely different than other forms of distribution, including cable,” — Brendan Carr, what FCC chairman
- “He, of course, has endorsed a slate of candidates in the primaries,” — News’s Kristen Welker, for NBC journalist
- “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,” — Brendan Carr, what FCC chairman
- “There’s a lot of interest right now in fake polls that are out there. The FCC may put guidance out soon to remind broadcasters about their obligations with effect to not airing fake polls, particularly if they’re done to suppress people heading into the fall.” — Brendan Carr, what FCC chairman
What’s Next
Carr indicated that the FCC could release the guidance “soon,” but no specific deadline has been set. Stakeholders will be watching for any formal FCC notice that could affect broadcast stations’ election-related coverage in the upcoming midterm cycle.
