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Cruz warns conservatives 'will regret' FCC censorship push against ABC, other media outlets

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Friday, September 19th 2025 at 23:58 GMT by Fox News
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Cruz Warns Conservatives Will Regret FCC’s “Censorship Push” Against ABC and Other Media Outlets

By a Fox News Staff Reporter

In a sharp critique of the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) recent regulatory agenda, Sen. Ted Cruz (R‑TX) warned that conservatives nationwide could “regret” the agency’s push to censor the voices of mainstream broadcasters, most notably ABC and its network of affiliates. The senator delivered his comments during a Senate hearing on the FCC’s evolving mandate for digital media, a meeting that has been followed closely by media watchdogs, political commentators, and lawmakers across the ideological spectrum.

The FCC’s “Censorship Push” Explained

At the heart of Cruz’s argument lies the FCC’s renewed interest in regulating “digital media” services—streaming platforms that reach billions of viewers every day. The FCC, under Chair Jessica Rosenworcel, has been exploring a set of rules that would impose a “public interest” standard on online services that distribute news, entertainment, and other content. Critics argue that such rules could compel streaming services to self‑censor or face costly fines.

The agency’s most recent proposal, released in March of 2024, seeks to broaden the definition of “broadcast service” to include “digital news services,” thereby bringing streaming platforms under FCC jurisdiction. The proposal would require these platforms to file public interest reports, demonstrate compliance with standards for political and commercial content, and submit to FCC oversight. While the FCC has repeatedly emphasized that it is not looking to impose new content‑based restrictions, the breadth of the proposal has been widely interpreted as a potential mechanism for “censorship” of conservative viewpoints.

The FCC’s rhetoric about “content moderation” has been sharpened by the agency’s new policy that calls for “transparency” in how online platforms handle political advertising, “hate speech,” and other controversial content. The policy’s language has been interpreted as opening the door for the FCC to fine or penalize platforms that are perceived to favor certain political perspectives—an approach that would undoubtedly be met with resistance from conservatives who feel their voices are systematically suppressed.

Cruz’s Main Points

In his testimony, Cruz said: “The FCC is trying to silence the voice that has traditionally represented the conservative viewpoint. If this continues, it will be a mistake that the conservative wing of our country will regret.” He warned that the FCC’s actions were part of a broader “censorship agenda” that could extend beyond the streaming services to the mainstream news media as well.

Cruz also cited ABC as a prime example of how the FCC’s new rules would affect traditional broadcast networks. He noted that ABC, owned by The Walt Disney Company, has been accused of “bias” in its coverage of political events. Cruz’s argument was that if the FCC forces ABC to self‑censor or face regulatory penalties, it could set a dangerous precedent for the rest of the industry. “Once we set this precedent, the next network that tries to provide balanced coverage will also be forced to fold,” he warned.

The senator also criticized the FCC’s leadership. “We are at a time when the FCC is being used as a tool for political censorship,” Cruz said. “The FCC should protect free speech, not suppress it.”

Cruz’s remarks were delivered on a stage that includes dozens of lawmakers, journalists, and legal experts. While the FCC’s leadership responded that the agency’s goal was not to censor but to ensure “public interest,” Cruz’s warning was clear: conservatives would find themselves on the wrong side of history if they do not act.

The Broader Context

The FCC’s new approach is not happening in a vacuum. Over the last decade, the agency has taken a number of high-profile actions that have sparked heated debates over media regulation. In 2021, the FCC reintroduced “net neutrality” rules under the Biden administration, a move that was criticized by conservatives as a government overreach. In 2022, the FCC announced plans to enforce “content moderation” policies that were seen as threatening to free speech, particularly for conservative commentators.

In addition, the media landscape is undergoing a seismic shift. Traditional broadcasters like ABC, CBS, and NBC are fighting for relevance as streaming giants like Netflix, Disney+, and Amazon Prime grow in size. The FCC’s interest in regulating streaming services has become a point of contention for those who believe that the agency should focus on public‑service broadcasters rather than entertainment platforms.

The FCC’s proposed rules are also part of a larger national conversation about “bias” and “censorship.” Conservative media outlets, such as Fox News and the Associated Press, have long argued that mainstream news organizations have a “liberal bias” that undermines the integrity of journalism. The new FCC rules, critics argue, could provide the government with a legal mechanism to enforce a “balance” that might actually tilt the coverage further in favor of one viewpoint.

Implications for ABC and Other Outlets

ABC has repeatedly defended its editorial practices, emphasizing that its coverage is guided by the standards of the Society of Professional Journalists. Nonetheless, the FCC’s new rules raise the possibility that ABC’s network of local affiliates could face scrutiny if the agency interprets its “public interest” obligations in a politically biased way.

In addition, ABC’s streaming arm, Hulu, has been a target for criticism in the past, with conservatives claiming that the platform’s “cancel culture” policies disproportionately punish dissenting voices. If the FCC were to expand its jurisdiction to include Hulu, it could be forced to adopt the “public interest” standard, thereby exposing it to potential fines or penalties for content deemed biased or “censorship.”

The broader industry could also be affected. If the FCC’s rules are implemented, many other media outlets—both public‑service broadcasters and private streaming services—could find themselves in a precarious position. They would be required to maintain an extensive compliance program, which would increase operational costs and, according to critics, could lead to a chilling effect on editorial freedom.

Conclusion

Ted Cruz’s warnings highlight a growing divide between conservatives who view the FCC as an instrument of political censorship and those who see it as an essential regulator of public‑interest media. The FCC’s upcoming rule changes could alter the regulatory landscape for both traditional broadcasters and digital platforms. For conservatives, the choice appears to be between supporting the FCC’s expanded mandate—risking a loss of free‑speech protections—or rallying against it to preserve what they consider the “voice of the free world.”

As the debate heats up, lawmakers, regulators, and media professionals will have to navigate the delicate balance between ensuring the public’s right to diverse information and protecting the foundational principles of free speech. The outcome of this debate will shape the future of American media—and, according to Sen. Cruz, could be something that conservatives will deeply regret if not addressed promptly.