Hoosier Enquirer Files Complaint Against WIBC 93.1 FM for Election Interference

Indianapolis, IN – Today, Hoosier Enquirer, a watchdog group dedicated to safeguarding the integrity of Indiana's elections, filed a formal complaint with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) against local radio station WIBC 93.1 FM. The complaint alleges that the station, owned by Urban One, violated federal radio regulations and election laws by promoting Democratic candidates while interfering with the 2024 election.

The detailed complaint, spearheaded by Hoosier Enquirer President and Founder Gabriel Whitley, accuses WIBC of abusing its platform by airing biased content, specifically targeting Republican candidates, while favoring Democrats. Whitley asserts that the station has gone so far as to allow individuals with serious criminal histories, including those accused of rape with signed affidavits from victims, to use the airwaves to spread misinformation and influence public perception.

In a statement included in the complaint, Whitley wrote:

“I am writing to formally request an investigation into WIBC 93.1 FM, a radio station owned by Urban One, for its abuse of the public airwaves to target political candidates and influence the outcome of elections. As a candidate who has witnessed firsthand the impact of these unethical actions, I am deeply concerned that WIBC has violated its duty as a licensed broadcaster by engaging in deliberate election interference.”

The complaint highlights specific concerns regarding WIBC's apparent bias. Whitley claims that the station has engaged in personal attacks on Republican candidates while actively shielding and promoting Democratic candidates. According to the complaint, these actions have damaged the integrity of the electoral process in Indiana and have violated the trust that broadcasters are expected to maintain as stewards of public frequencies.

Key Allegations in the Complaint:

1. Misinformation: Whitley argues that WIBC has provided a platform for individuals to spread false information about political candidates, distorting the facts and misleading voters.

2. Partisan Bias: The complaint alleges that WIBC has consistently promoted Democratic candidates while attacking their Republican counterparts, creating an unfair media environment for the 2024 election cycle.

3. Criminal Histories: The complaint asserts that WIBC has allowed individuals with serious criminal backgrounds to air their views, further contributing to what Whitley describes as unethical election interference.

Whitley calls on the FCC to take action, including a potential revocation of WIBC’s radio license:

> “The responsibility of broadcasters, especially those operating on public frequencies, is to serve the public interest and provide fair, balanced, and accurate information. WIBC's actions demonstrate a clear violation of this obligation, as they have weaponized their platform to manipulate public opinion and unfairly influence the political process in favor of specific candidates.”

The filing also underscores the broader concern that such actions undermine the core principles of democracy. By failing to remain impartial, Whitley argues that WIBC has compromised the fundamental fairness of the election process.

The complaint requests a thorough investigation into WIBC's practices, including their alleged role in spreading misinformation and influencing political outcomes. Whitley urged the FCC to revoke the station's license, citing the severity of the violations and the potential impact on future elections.

As of now, WIBC has not yet publicly responded to the complaint, and the FCC has not commented on any potential investigation.

The Hoosier Enquirer watchdog group is no stranger to controversial efforts to hold local media accountable, and this latest action represents a significant escalation in its efforts to combat what it views as unfair and unethical media practices in Indiana. This case could set a major precedent if the FCC chooses to take action, potentially influencing how local broadcasters approach election coverage in the future.