June 17, 2025
Statement on Behalf of Brenda Victoria Castillo, President and CEO, National Hispanic Media Coalition, on the confirmation of Olivia Trusty to the Federal Communications Commission
Today the United States Senate voted to confirm Olivia Trusty as the newest Commissioner on the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). The National Hispanic Media Coalition welcomes Commissioner Trusty with hope that her lived experience as a woman of color informs her role as the Commission.
Earlier this summer, NHMC joined civil rights allies in a letter calling on the Senate to pair Commissioner Trusty’s confirmation with a Democratic candidate to replace the now departed Commissioner Geoffrey Starks. Because this pairing of candidates did not happen, NHMC renews our notion that a fully staffed FCC is of utmost importance for bipartisan cooperation, continuity and sustainability of FCC programming, and representation of the American public. A highly qualified Democratic replacement for Commissioner Starks’ position should be nominated and confirmed as soon as possible, preferably a person of color who represents the culture of the people the Commission serves. NHMC also calls for the protection of Commissioner Anna Gomez’s role to remain on the Commission for the duration and potential extensions of her confirmation.
In addition, NHMC calls on the newly confirmed Commissioner Trusty to publicly commit to ensuring that the Federal Communications Commission operates as an independent agency, insulated from the President’s hyper-political agenda. Despite Commissioner Trusty’s refusal to make this commitment in her nomination hearing, NHMC strongly believes that issues under the jurisdiction of the Commission, like broadband access, broadcast licensing, and spectrum allocation must be regulated outside of undue influence–particularly influence that has proven to be biased for corruption, corporate favoritism, and political favors, like this White House.
As has been our practice for two decades, NHMC looks forward to working with all FCC Commissioners, including Commissioner Trusty, to close the digital divide and increase Latino representation in media.
Yours in the Movement,
Brenda Victoria Castillo
President & CEO
National Hispanic Media Coalition
