An FCC commissioner is raising the alarm about some within the administration and the FCC that want to investigate internal workings of newsrooms.

Ajit Pai wrote in the Wall Street Journal that the FCC is proposing what they term a “voluntary” study of broadcasters regarding the stories they run and the stories that do not make it to air.  Investigators would enter newsrooms across the country and question reporters, editors and station owners about the items covered on their air and what information was included in those reports.

Commissioner Pai says that the FCC is seeking to discover “station bias” and “perceived responsiveness to underserved populations.”   The investigators will ask questions directed to find out “the process by which stories are selected.”

One of the questions that will be asked of reporters is “Have you ever suggested coverage of what you consider a story with critical information for your customers that was rejected by management?”

Commissioner Pai noted while those at the FCC pushing this study say it’s voluntary, the people being asked to participate cannot operate their businesses without licenses from the FCC.  Rejecting the study could be seen as a negative when the station asks for a license renewal.

The study also wants to include newspapers when the FCC has no authority to regulate print media.