OAN Pres. Backs Sohn for FCC Amid Senate Wrangling
Democratic FCC nominee Gigi Sohn got unexpected endorsements Wednesday from a pair of conservative media executives amid evidence of growing Senate GOP resistance to her confirmation. “I’ve fought in the trenches side-by-side” with Sohn “for a number of years on…
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multiple issues,” said One America News Network President Charles Herring. “I’m fully aware of” her “personal views, yet I’m even more knowledgeable on her strong belief and advocacy of diversity in the programming lineup, especially news, regardless of conflicts with her” opinions. Sohn “has been very consistent in her views for diversity in media,” he said. "She believes in the First Amendment and the advantages of a strong and open media for the benefit of our democracy. She is one of the most knowledgeable persons I know on FCC issues and has the common sense and desire to work with people on both sides of the aisle.” Republican media consultant Bradley Blakeman, a former aide to President George W. Bush, separately endorsed Sohn in a Newsmax opinion piece. Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., indicated Tuesday he definitely won’t support Sohn. “I will do everything in my power to convince colleagues on both sides of the aisle to reject this extreme nominee,” he tweeted. Sohn “is a complete political ideologue who has disdain for conservatives. She would be a complete nightmare for the country when it comes to regulating the public airwaves.” Free Press co-CEO Craig Aaron, meanwhile, urged the Senate Commerce Committee Wednesday against holding separate confirmation hearings for Sohn and FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel, tweeting “we need the FCC at work as fast as possible. And that means having all 5 commissioners in place.” Dragging “this out and delaying only serves the interests of those who don't want the FCC to do anything -- ever,” Aaron said. The committee remains on track for a hearing with Rosenworcel next week (see 2111020051), but leaders are believed to be considering a separate panel for Sohn amid GOP pushback against any attempt to “rush” that nominee’s confirmation, said a telecom lobbyist who follows Democratic deliberations. Senate Commerce leaders are also considering whether to include NTIA nominee Alan Davidson and FTC nominee Alvaro Bedoya at next week’s hearing or during a subsequent panel, lobbyists said. Senate Commerce Republicans aren’t fully opposed to fast-tracking Rosenworcel’s reconfirmation, with some saying they would be inclined to back her (see 2110260076). Senate Commerce didn’t comment.