Ex-Fox News exec says the FCC should consider revoking Rupert Murdoch’s licenses
A former Fox executive on Wednesday suggested that the FCC should consider revoking Fox News’ broadcast licenses.
Preston Padden, who served as a Fox executive from 1990 to 1997, writes for The Beast that the right-wing network may be a revocation candidate, citing a section of the Communications Act that requires the FCC to assess the “character qualifications” of those broadcasting on public airwaves.
Paddon notes that Judge Eric M. Davis, who presided over the Dominion lawsuit against Fox, determined that the network repeatedly aired “news distortion” about the 2020 election.
The judge’s order stated “The evidence developed in this civil proceeding demonstrates that it is CRYSTAL clear that none of the Statements relating to Dominion about the 2020 election are true. Therefore, the Court will grant summary judgment in favor of Dominion on the element of falsity.”
Paddon notes that Fox declined to appeal the ruling and issued a statement in which it acknowledges it.
Paddon argues Fox News intentionally reported false allegations that the 2020 election was stolen over fears of losing viewers to competing conservative outlets.
“In my opinion, that means that the false news was presented knowingly,” Paddon writes.
Paddon said he reached out to Rupert Murdoch urging the Fox News CEO to halt spreading election lies and set the record straight by issuing a public statement.
Paddon writes that, “To my knowledge, no such statement ever was telecast.”
Paddon believes his former employer should be held accountable.
“False news has consequences,” Paddon writes.
“Despite all the factual information available to the contrary, millions of Americans, including Fox viewers, believe that the 2020 election was stolen. The rioters at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6 were chanting ‘Stop the Steal.’"
“So, the issue at hand is: Should the FCC review Fox’s character qualifications to remain a steward of the public airwaves?”
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