FCC unaware if US broadcast networks have aired any fake polls

Federal Communications Commission Chair Brendan Carr expressed concerns on Thursday about the potential for US broadcast networks to air fake polls, though he did not specify any particular instances. Earlier this month, Carr had warned broadcasters that airing entirely fabricated polls or suppression polls could violate their regulatory obligations ahead of the upcoming November 3 midterm elections.

President Donald Trump, whose poll ratings have deteriorated to their lowest point and whose Republican Party is trailing in polls, has urged Carr to take action against US broadcasters and journalists.

Carr emphasized that he was not seeking to punish broadcasters for airing negative poll results for specific politicians, rather he stressed the importance of broadcasters exercising due diligence. He cited recent cases, such as Wedgewood Polling's admission of faking surveys, as examples of the need for broadcasters to be vigilant. Carr stated that he was unaware of any specific instances where broadcasters had aired fake polls, and he encouraged anyone who had concerns to come forward.

President Trump has repeatedly dismissed polls indicating Democrats are leading Republicans in the midterm congressional elections and has called on Carr to penalize journalists, including NBC's Kristen Welker. However, Carr has not taken any punitive measures. Democratic FCC Commissioner Anna Gomez argued that while broadcasters cannot be sanctioned for reporting on polls under the agency's rules governing news distortion or hoaxes, this tactic could drive stations to self-censor.

Carr ordered an early license review for all eight of Disney's company-owned ABC TV stations, but a court challenge is pending and he has not yet decided on revoking the licenses.