Hearing on media misinformation

A letter sent by two Democrats on the House Energy and Commerce hearing took center stage at a committee hearing Wednesday over disinformation in the media.

Reps. Anna Eshoo (D-Calif.) and Jerry McNerney (D-Calif.) sent a letter to cable and streaming companies on Monday questioning their decisions to host certain news networks. The letter linked content aired on certain channels to the January 6 insurrection at the Capitol.

The letter drew quick backlash from Republicans, including ranking committee member Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-Wash.) who cast it as an effort to pressure the companies to block the right-leaning outlets.

Eshoo dismissed the criticism, noting that the letter simply asks companies to respond with detailed answers over their decisions on offering certain channels.

“I’d like this to be understood, the idea that members asking questions violates the First Amendment is absolutely absurd. It’s our job to ask questions,” Eshoo said.