FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION WASHINGTON OFFICE O F TH E C H A IRMAN April 7, 2020 The Honorable Mike Doyle Chairman Subcommittee on Communications and Technology Committee on Energy and Commerce U.S. House of Representatives 2125 Rayburn House Office Building Washington, DC 20515 Dear Chairman Doyle: Thank you for your letter regarding a broadcast station's right to air legally protected speech. As you note, I have always stood firmly in the defense of the First Amendment for all Americans. Under the Constitution and the Communications Act, broadcast stations have broad discretion to decide what programming to air on their stations. Absent very narrow circumstances, the government cannot and should not investigate stations or revoke licenses based on programming the station airs. This has been my long-standing position, and there should be no question as to my commitment to these ideals. In fact, just this week, the Commission's Media Bureau and Office of General Counsel denied an emergency petition filed by "Free Press" demanding that the Commission take action to cwiail the freedom of the press and investigate, or at least guide, the editorial judgments of broadcast stations. (I have attached the letter denying Free Press's petition for your review.) Standing up for the constitutional rights of broadcast stations means that we must do so in all instances in which their rights appear threatened. I hope that you agree. Indeed, given your position on this powerful Committee and the unique opportunity you have to send a message in this particular case, I strongly encourage you to speak out publicly in favor of the First Amendment- and thus in opposition to this group's misguided petition. Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance. V-