- FCC Commissioners Nathan Simington and Geoffrey Starks have resigned, creating two open seats on the Commission.
- Their exits come amid concerns over the agency’s political neutrality as Chairman Brendan Carr intensifies scrutiny of major media outlets.
What happened: Simington and Starks resign from FCC amid political scrutiny
Two members of the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) have confirmed their resignations, creating vacancies in the agency’s five-member panel. Nathan Simington, a Republican appointed in 2020, will leave his post by the end of this week. During his time at the FCC, Simington promoted restrictions on social media firms, supported media ownership rule changes, and called for the reclassification of streaming platforms such as YouTube TV.
Geoffrey Starks, a Democrat whose term was due to expire in 2027, also confirmed earlier this year that he would step down. In his departure note, he expressed appreciation for his colleagues and the FCC staff. The two exits now open up significant roles on the Commission. President Trump has nominated Olivia Trusty to fill one of the seats, but her confirmation is still pending Senate approval, which may temporarily reduce the Commission’s operating capacity.
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Why it’s important
The resignations come at a time of increased political tension surrounding the FCC. The agency’s chairman, Brendan Carr, who was appointed by President Trump, has reopened investigations into major broadcasters including CBS, ABC, and NBC. These investigations relate to alleged “news distortion,” especially around 2024 election coverage. Carr’s moves have drawn criticism from observers who see them as part of a broader effort to politicise the FCC’s regulatory activities. The upcoming appointments could further influence the direction and independence of the agency as it continues to navigate a highly polarised environment.
