Trump is demanding possible FCC action against NBC journalist Kristen Welker after she described his record of endorsing Republican candidates as having “mixed results. NBC News defended Welker, saying, “Kristen is one of the best in the business and we stand by her. The dispute began after Welker made the remark during a local NBC appearance before Sunday’s “Meet the Press.
He said Welker’s comment was inaccurate and claimed she should face a “rebuke or punishment. The FCC’s own guidance says it generally does not intervene in complaints about news accuracy or editorial judgment.
“He’s had some mixed results, but most recently, his pick of Senator Darline Graham, of course, the sister of the late Senator Lindsey Graham, was successful in her primary battle, so now she takes on Dr. Annie Andrews in South Carolina. Because someone says it was inaccurate or unfair, the FCC generally does not step in over a news report just.
In a statement to POLITICO, an NBC News spokesperson said, “Kristen is one of the best in the business and we stand by her. Welker did not make the “mixed results” comment during the main “Meet the Press” program. She said it during a live appearance on NBC’s Washington station before the show. Welker said Trump would “loom large” over the races and noted his support for several Republican candidates While discussing the November midterm elections. “He, of course, has endorsed a slate of candidates in the primaries,” Welker said. The FCC can investigate claims of news distortion when there is evidence that a broadcaster deliberately distorted the news, according to CNN.
