FCC Commissioner Anna Gomez dropped in to visit a big public broadcaster in a top 10 media market.
Philadelphia station WHYY is a radio and TV station that serves people in eastern Pennsylvania, southern New Jersey and parts of Delaware and Maryland.
“The NPR and PBS affiliate exemplifies localism through its programming, which connects the public with trusted local news, educational content and opportunities for civic engagement,” according to a press release from Gomez’s office. WHYY also serves as a Local Primary 1 EAS station.
[Related: “Gomez Says FCC Is Straying From Its Mandate”]
Gomez said she’s visiting a series of local stations to better understand the media landscape and examine how FCC actions affect communities. She said she also wants to draw attention to harm caused by what she considers unfounded attacks by the FCC and the Trump administration against public broadcast organizations including NPR and PBS.
“Public media broadcasters like this one are committed to serving their entire community, regardless of political viewpoints,” she said in the release.
“Baseless attacks on public media threaten to create a new kind of news desert, one where communities can’t access the local critical information they need. The FCC must prioritize protecting and expanding the public’s access to timely, accurate news, free from political interference.”
[Related: Chairman Carr Visits Station, Tours Helene Damage]
