FCC Chief Brendan Carr Vows to ‘Constrain’ the Power of National Networks and Reform ‘Arcane Artificial Limits’ on TV Station Ownership

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Brendan Carr, the head of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), has stirred up controversy within Hollywood by aggressively investigating questionable grievances related to the editorial content of well-known media outlets like “60 Minutes,” NPR, and PBS, among others. Moreover, he’s launched investigations into Disney and Comcast for allegedly promoting harmful forms of diversity and inclusion discrimination, which many view as politically driven and exceeding the commission’s authority in regulatory terms.

Currently, Carr implies that the FCC might delve deeper into the affiliation agreements between broadcast networks (such as ABC, CBS, NBC, and Fox) and the over 150 local TV stations nationwide. Carr stated his actions were prompted by a rise in station owners’ grievances against national networks, who are allegedly compelling them to air programs that they otherwise wouldn’t choose.

During an interview with David Faber on CNBC, Carr expressed his desire to break away from the norm and focus on serving local communities more effectively. He mentioned that while he wishes to increase localism, there are instances where he is required to broadcast a national program against their will, leading to numerous complaints. Carr’s vision is to grant local broadcasters the power to better serve their own communities, suggesting multiple ways this can be achieved.

I, as a supporter, find myself in agreement with Commissioner Carr’s perspective regarding the intricate investigations conducted by the FCC concerning network-affiliate relationships. He has extended a gesture of goodwill to station owners by advocating for reform of what he terms “obscure restrictions” on television station ownership. For over a decade, broadcasters have emphasized that their control over TV stations is heavily regulated, while tech giants like Google, Meta, Amazon, and Apple enjoy a global reach and growing influence in politics, media, and culture. This is an issue where the major networks, all boasting robust O&O (Owned and Operated) groups, along with local broadcasters, might align with Carr’s call for change.

Carr proposed considering changes in ownership regulations as a potential solution. He pointed out that there are antiquated restrictions on how many television stations a single company can own. However, these rules don’t affect Big Tech companies. This results in smaller TV station groups facing competition from tech giants like Google and Facebook in the advertising market. Essentially, Carr wants to strengthen the position of local stations and limit the influence of national broadcasters.

During the majority of their 20-minute meeting, Carr and Faber delved deep into the specifics concerning the FCC’s methods for spectrum auctions, a topic relevant not just to them but also broadcasters. While discussing, Faber inquired about the FCC chief’s response to the “60 Minutes” complaint and the ongoing review of the potential sale of CBS parent company Paramount Global to Skydance Media.

The Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) approval of CBS-owned TV stations’ license transfer is delaying the completion of an $8 billion sale. Additionally, President Donald Trump has filed a lawsuit worth $20 billion against “60 Minutes” over an interview he gave in October 2024 when he was still a presidential candidate and Kamala Harris was being interviewed. Critics argue that this lawsuit is groundless and represents the most powerful political figure in the country attempting to retaliate against a media outlet for coverage they found unfavorable.

Once more, Carr stretched the bounds of believability by asserting that the FCC investigation into “60 Minutes,” the FCC’s examination of the larger Paramount Global sale, and Trump’s lawsuit have no connection to each other. He claimed that he has not gone through Trump’s complaint. In this lawsuit, filed in a federal court in Texas, an unusual legal argument is presented: Carr was allegedly harmed as a political candidate and as the owner of social media platform Truth Social due to CBS’ handling of the Harris interview.

Carr mentioned that they’re focusing on their current task, which is a thorough review of the Paramount Global transaction. They’re simply following their usual process for this evaluation.

Previously serving as an attorney for the FCC and appointed as a commissioner by President Trump during his initial term in 2017, Carr concluded by expressing appreciation for the efforts made by the commission’s staff during Trump’s second term’s fast-paced first 100 days. Carr enthusiastically declared to Faber that he was “currently having an absolute blast.

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2025-05-06 01:46