FCC Commissioner Anna Gomez (left) and Steve Herman, executive director of the Jordan Center for Journalism Advocacy and Innovation at the University of Mississippi, take questions from the crowd during a 'fireside chat' Thursday (Oct. 2) in the Overby Center for Southern Journalism and Politics. Photo by Ash Taylor/Local Focal LLC
On October 2, 2025, FCC Commissioner Anna Gomez addressed the University of Mississippi as part of her nationwide First Amendment Tour, highlighting growing concerns over threats to free speech and press freedom in the United States. This event marked the 17th stop of her tour, which aims to raise awareness about the precarious state of First Amendment rights.
Gomez expressed her commitment to illuminating how certain actions by the Federal Communications Commission may undermine these fundamental rights. “The First Amendment has protected our fundamental right to speak freely since 1791. It is foundational to our democracy, and today, I am here to tell you that foundation is trembling,” she stated during her speech.
Concerns Over Media Consolidation
During her address, Gomez referenced the recent temporary removal of late-night comedian Jimmy Kimmel and the proposed merger between media giants Paramount and Warner Bros. to illustrate her point about local media being overshadowed by corporate interests. She emphasized the importance of understanding that the FCC lacks the authority to regulate lawful content or punish broadcasters for government-disliked speech. “If it were to take that unprecedented step, it would run headlong into the First Amendment and fail in court,” Gomez warned.
The significance of hosting this discussion at Ole Miss was underscored by Steve Herman, executive director of the Jordan Center for Journalism Advocacy and Innovation. “Our First Amendment does need to be protected, and there’s already a discussion underway about how it should be interpreted in these contentious times,” he noted.
More than 100 students and community members attended the event at the Overby Center for Southern Journalism and Politics, indicating a strong interest in the topic. Rear Adm. Jamie Barnett, an adjunct professor at the university, encouraged journalism students to stand, emphasizing their role in a healthy democracy. “I’m so glad to see all of you stand up, because you are so important to our democracy,” Gomez remarked.
The Role of Young Voices in Free Speech
Participants recognized that the First Amendment affects everyone, not just journalism students. Andrea Hickerson, dean of the School of Journalism and New Media, stated, “One of the things that really resonated with me was free speech being a bipartisan issue. This is an opportunity to show our flagship mission in how we support this kind of dialogue.”
Among the attendees was Aziza Darwish, a freshman psychology major, who expressed her concern over societal apathy toward ongoing threats to free speech. “It’s not normal to see these terrible things happening. If we keep saying, ‘We’ll see how it goes,’ things won’t change,” she said. Darwish emphasized the importance of being informed, particularly for her generation, which is more interconnected than ever through social media.
Emma Scruggs, a junior public policy and leadership major, echoed these sentiments, stating that events like this provide role models for students. “It gives you a goal you can see,” she said, reflecting on the valuable perspectives shared during Gomez’s speech.
Gomez initiated her cross-country tour in Los Angeles on May 28, 2025, and despite a government shutdown affecting FCC operations, she remains determined to continue. “Now is the time for everyone to find their courage. We must continue to call out corporate capitulation for what it is: a betrayal not just of journalistic independence, but of the public trust,” she stated emphatically. “Free speech is key to the future of our democracy, and we must push back against any attempt to constrain it.”
