FCC Chairman Brendan Carr hasn’t been shy about his vision for the commission. He shared more on Tuesday about why he feels so strongly.
What We Know: The FCC has launched a review of the TV licenses for the Disney-owned and operated stations. FCC Chairman Brendan Carr has repeatedly asserted that the company is in violation of anti-DEI policies and is also not meeting the public interest requirements. In an appearance on CNBC, Carr shared his insight into the matter.
What They Said: “If your culture is making sure that the laws on the books are enforced, I guess I’m a culture warrior. But broadcasters are different. There’s a public interest obligation. We have equal opportunity rules on the books. We have rules that prevent discrimination based on race and gender. And we have rules requiring that broadcasters actually identify the needs of their local community and serve it. And we’re an FCC that is going to enforce those requirements.” -Brendan Carr
What Remains Unclear: What steps, if any, Carr and the FCC are willing to take to enforce those public interest obligations when it comes to Disney’s stations. Democratic FCC commissioner Anna Gomez has stated that she’ll support Disney in any investigation. She’s stated that the FCC doesn’t have any legal standing to take on the company.
What It Means: Brendan Carr has plenty of runway ahead of him as an FCC commissioner. His current term runs through June 2029. So, he has plenty of time to enact any changes or to feature a fundamental philosophical change from the commission.
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Garrett Searight is Barrett Media’s News Editor, which includes writing daily news stories, features, and opinion columns. He joined Barrett Media in 2022 after a decade leading several radio brands in several formats, as well as a 5-year stint working in local television. In addition to his work with Barrett Media, he is a radio and TV play-by-play broadcaster. Reach out to him at Garrett@BarrettMedia.com.
Brendan Carr is a Trump sucking Maga Nazi. He’s not doing anything for the greater good of broadcasting. Just for the greater good of serving Trump. His comeuppance will occur at some point.