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1. The Lone Voice on the Commission

Anna Gomez, appointed by President Biden and confirmed by a 55‑43 Senate vote in September 2023, is soon to become the only Democratic commissioner on the five-member Federal Communications Commission. With fellow Democrat Geoffrey Starks and Republican Nathan Simington stepping down by early June, only Gomez and Trump‑appointed Chairman Brendan Carr will remain.

Rather than retreat in the face of this imbalance, Gomez has decided to take her fight nationwide—launching what she calls a “First Amendment Listening Tour” aimed at raising public awareness of threats to free speech emanating from political interference .

2. A “Sham” Investigation Weaponized for Politics

Gomez charges the current FCC, under Chairman Carr, with launching politically motivated “sham investigations” into media outlets such as NPR, PBS, ABC, CBS, NBC, and Disney—actions she says are being used to threaten editorial independence.

These investigations target a range of practices: allegedly unfair sponsorship funding, diversity and inclusion policies, and — in the case of CBS — purported "news distortion." Gomez argues these probes aren't about public safety or fairness, but about controlling narratives .

3. First Stop: L.A. and a Call to Action

Gomez’s tour kicked off on May 28 at California State University–Los Angeles, hosted by advocacy group Free Press. Key figures in attendance included Rep. Raul Ruiz, journalist Safiya U. Noble, and Southern California Public Radio leader Alejandra Santamaria.

She appealed to attendees: “Silencing dissenting voices is not a show of strength—it’s a sign of fear,” and described the aggressive tactics by Carr and the Trump administration as “a campaign of censorship and control” that threatens democracy .

Attendees—journalists, professors, public broadcasters—recounted growing fear and frustration over these federal interventions.

4. The Legal and Structural Stakes

The FCC cannot legally fire Gomez mid-term, but she acknowledges she could face removal if she continues speaking out. Still, she says her priority isn’t personal security—it’s protecting democratic institutions.

With the agency lacking quorum, no votes can be taken until new members are nominated and confirmed, giving Gomez a small window to raise red flags publicly .

5. The Bigger Picture: Democracy at Risk

Media advocacy groups like Free Press emphasize that Gomez’s public dissent could later shape judicial rulings on FCC authority.

Former Commissioner Michael Copps—who spoke out during the Bush era—offers a precedent. But Gomez faces greater risks: Carr is actively pursuing investigations and leveraging his regulatory power to punish media companies.

Gomez believes this clash reflects an urgent democratic conflict: agencies being hijacked to silence criticism rather than protect the public .

6. What's Next

• Her tour will visit states including Kentucky and Illinois, running through the end of 2025 .
• Gomez is urging journalists, broadcasters, and civic leaders to mobilize and speak out.
• Congress may face pressure to enforce checks on FCC overreach or reconsider appointment processes.
• The FCC’s regulatory actions—especially around media ownership, diversity policies, and licensing—will be closely scrutinized.

Why This Matters

Anna Gomez’s stand reflects a broader crisis at the intersection of journalism, regulation, and political influence. By going public, she hopes to spark both public pushback and a legal record that defends the integrity of independent journalism.

As Gomez herself said: “Capitulation breeds capitulation. But courage breeds courage.”