Birmingham Mayoral Candidate Juandalynn Givan Files FCC Complaint Against WBRC Fox 6
Suggests canceled debate, skewed coverage shows bias towards incumbent Woodfin
Alabama State Representative (District 60) and Birmingham Mayoral candidate Juandalynn Givan has filed a complaint with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) against WBRC Fox 6 News.
In a letter dated July 21, 2025, Givan wrote:
“I am writing to express my profound disappointment and concern regarding WBRC FOX6 News’s recent decision to cancel the Birmingham Mayoral Debate originally scheduled for August 14, 2025,” Givan said. “I consider this action a disservice not only to myself but to the voters of Birmingham who deserve a transparent and robust electoral process.”
Givan went on to say, “WBRC has cited "bandwidth and programming issues" as the rationale for canceling the debate. Given WBRC’s standing as the most-watched news station in Alabama, this explanation raises serious questions. Voters are being asked to accept that the state’s leading news outlet—an institution with significant technological and editorial resources—cannot accommodate a single live debate in £one of the most consequential municipal elections in the state.”
She noted that, “The optics are troubling. It is known within the community that the current incumbent’s Public Information Officer is a former anchor at WBRC. This connection, paired with the station’s abrupt withdrawal from hosting the debate, creates an appearance of partiality that undermines public confidence in the integrity of both WBRC’s news coverage and its role in promoting fair democratic discourse.”
“Furthermore, this is not the first instance where I have felt that WBRC’s coverage of my campaign has lacked balance or visibility,” Givan continued.
In the letter, Gavin requested the following:
- A public explanation from WBRC outlining the specific reasons and decision-making process that led to the cancellation of the August 14 debate.
- Clarification on whether there was any communication or request from the incumbent’s office to delay, cancel, or alter the debate plans.
- A review by the FCC into whether WBRC’s actions may constitute a violation of its public interest obligations under the Communications Act.
She also urges WBRC to reschedule the debate, and work with all of the Mayoral campaigns so that Birmingham voters can make informed decisions at the ballot box.
ALPolitics.com reached out to the Givan campaign, and as of early afternoon Wednesday they had not had a response from either the FCC or WBRC Fox 6.
