On the Media: An FCC Commissioner Sounds the Alarm. Plus, the Finale of The Divided Dial

Released on May 30, 2025 by WNYC Studios

Introduction

In this episode of the Peabody Award-winning podcast On the Media, hosts Michael Olinger and Brooke Gladstone delve into two significant topics. First, they feature an in-depth conversation with Anna M. Gomez, the lone Democratic commissioner of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), who raises concerns about threats to free speech and government transparency. Second, they present the finale of their special series, The Divided Dial, which explores the evolving landscape of shortwave radio and the clash between pirate broadcasters and financial profiteers.

FCC Commissioner Anna M. Gomez on Media Freedom

FAA's Retaliatory Actions Against Public Broadcasters

Michael Olinger introduces the segment by highlighting a recent event where NPR and three Colorado Public Radio stations filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration for retaliatory actions. The administration, under President Trump, accused these organizations of bias and sought to defund them, alleging they used taxpayer funds to spread "radical woke propaganda" [02:37].

Anna M. Gomez's Critique of FCC Practices

Anna M. Gomez, the sole Democratic commissioner at the FCC, articulates her alarm over the agency's recent actions. She states, "It's not our agency's function to prosecute diversity, equity, and inclusion. And what alarms me about it is that capitulation breeds capitulation" [00:59].

She elaborates on how the FCC staff is overstepping by investigating broadcasters' editorial decisions and threatening tech companies that fact-check, all without commissioner votes. Gomez emphasizes that major decisions, such as approving Verizon's $20 billion merger contingent on ending DEI practices, should occur at the commission level, not relegated to staff actions [04:15].

Threats to the First Amendment and Press Freedom

Gomez highlights specific cases where the FCC is probing local broadcasters for alleged "news distortion." She points out that these investigations often lack substantial evidence of intentional distortion, thereby threatening the First Amendment rights. In discussing the FCC's investigation into CBS over a 60 Minutes interview with Kamala Harris, she asserts, "It is clear that none of these cases meet the news distortion standard, which is very hard to prove because you have to have that intentionality" [07:10].

Historical Context and Resistance to Political Pressure

Drawing parallels to historical instances, Gomez references President Franklin D. Roosevelt and President Kennedy's pressures on the FCC, noting that past FCC chairs resisted political interference to protect media independence. She warns that the current administration's attempts to control the FCC reflect a similar pattern of censorship and control [10:04].

Anna M. Gomez's Commitment to Defending the First Amendment

Facing potential removal from her position, Gomez resolutely declares, "I'm going to continue to stand firm in my beliefs and speak up in defense of the First Amendment and on behalf of consumers" [12:11]. She underscores the importance of protecting the First Amendment as a pillar of democracy and calls for public support against violations [11:32].

Notable Quotes:

• "Capitulation breeds capitulation." – Anna M. Gomez [00:59]
• "News distortion must involve a significant event and not merely a minor or incidental aspect of the news report." – Anna M. Gomez [07:10]
• "The FCC does not have authority under the law, under the Constitution to go after these practices." – Anna M. Gomez [05:16]
• "Unlawfully removing me from office would disregard the will of Congress." – Anna M. Gomez [12:11]

The Divided Dial Finale: Pirates vs. Profiteers on Shortwave Radio

Evolution of Shortwave Radio

The finale of The Divided Dial series, hosted by Katie Thornton, transitions from exploring the right-wing takeover of AM/FM talk radio to focusing on the resurgence and transformation of shortwave radio. Thornton recounts her first experience tuning into shortwave radio, describing the excitement and unexpected content she discovered [15:31].

The Pirate Radio Movement

Shortwave radio, once a tool for global communication and government propaganda, has become a haven for pirate broadcasters who operate without licenses. These pirates offer a diverse range of programming, from niche music genres to unconventional talk shows. Matt Todd, a radio enthusiast interviewed in the episode, explains the allure of pirate radio: "People create the radio station that they always wanted to have. People told me they hear more musical variety on pirate shortwave than they ever do on big streaming services." [26:26].

Technological Advances and Pirate Broadcasting

With advancements like software-defined radios, enthusiasts like Matt Todd can easily scan and record multiple shortwave frequencies, capturing a variety of pirate broadcasts. These pirates provide a freeform and unpredictable listening experience, contrasting sharply with the more commercial and regulated broadcasters [23:50].

The Shortwave Modernization Coalition and Financial Interests

The episode reveals a significant shift in the use of shortwave frequencies. The Shortwave Modernization Coalition, comprising Wall Street firms and tech companies, has petitioned the FCC to repurpose shortwave frequencies for high-speed financial trading. These entities argue that shortwave signals can transmit trading instructions faster than traditional internet or satellite methods, potentially shaving milliseconds off transactions [35:12].

Implications for Public Airwaves

This move by financial firms represents a fundamental change in the purpose of shortwave radio—from a public resource for diverse communication to a tool for private monetary gain. Katie Thornton raises critical questions about the future of public airwaves and the potential erosion of access for hobbyists and independent broadcasters [45:06].

Public vs. Private Interests in the Electromagnetic Spectrum

Natalia Fotich, a telecom attorney, emphasizes that the electromagnetic spectrum is a public resource intended to serve the public interest. The push by the Shortwave Modernization Coalition to allocate frequencies for private trading jeopardizes this principle. She warns against commodifying the spectrum solely for profit, arguing that it detracts from its original public-serving purpose [37:12].

Resistance and Advocacy for Public Access

Despite the financial push, there is resistance from shortwave advocates like Bennett Cobb, who urge the FCC to maintain public access and support diverse broadcasting. Thornton posits that shortwave radio could serve as a battleground for preserving public airwaves against privatization [47:05].

Final Thoughts on Spectrum Privatization

The episode concludes with reflections on the broader implications of privatizing the electromagnetic spectrum. Hosts advocate for retaining the spectrum as a shared public resource, highlighting the essential role it plays in media infrastructure and public communication. They underscore the need for public advocacy to prevent the spectrum from being monopolized by profit-driven entities [50:01].

Notable Quotes:

• "People create the radio station that they always wanted to have." – Matt Todd [26:26]
• "The electromagnetic spectrum is like an invisible rainbow." – Natalia Fotich [37:07]
• "The earth is flat and God tells you so." – Katie Thornton [51:10] (Note: This quote reflects a specific pirate broadcast content, illustrating the diversity and unpredictability of pirate radio)
• "The electromagnetic spectrum is the invisible backbone of our media ecosystem, the infrastructure of how we disseminate information." – Matt Todd [50:01]

Conclusion

This episode of On the Media offers a compelling examination of contemporary challenges to media freedom and the evolving dynamics of radio broadcasting. Anna M. Gomez's insights shed light on the precarious state of free speech within regulatory frameworks, while The Divided Dial finale illustrates the ongoing tug-of-war between public access and private interests on the electromagnetic spectrum. Together, these discussions underscore the critical importance of safeguarding public resources and democratic principles in the face of political and commercial pressures.

Additional Resources:

• Live Show Invitation: Michael Olinger invites listeners to a live show on June 11 in New York with Katie Thornton, discussing the Divided Dial series and the role of public airwaves. [00:00]
• Supporting Materials: Listeners are encouraged to visit wnyc.org/events for more information.

Produced by WNYC Studios. For more episodes and information, visit On the Media.