FCC Chair Calls for Networks to Showcase ‘Patriotic, Pro-America’ Programming
Brendan Carr, the Federal Communications Commission chairman, has made a bold request for networks to air “patriotic, pro-America” content in anticipation of the nation’s 250th birthday.
Many might not have recognized Carr's name until recent tensions arose between the Trump administration and late-night hosts like Jimmy Kimmel and Stephen Colbert. Accusations of infringing on First Amendment rights have surfaced as Carr and the administration seek to influence broadcast content.
In a statement released Friday, Carr invited broadcasters to participate in the Pledge America Campaign, which aims to promote programming that “celebrates the American journey and inspires its citizens by highlighting the historic accomplishments of this great nation from our founding through the Trump Administration today.”
This July 4 marks a significant milestone in American history, prompting the White House to establish a task force dedicated to planning celebratory events.
Examples of suggested programming include specials on American history, beginning each broadcast day with the Pledge of Allegiance, or featuring music from renowned American composers like John Philip Sousa and George Gershwin.
“I am calling on broadcasters to pledge to provide programming that promotes civic education, national pride, and our shared history,” Carr stated. He emphasized the urgency of this initiative, citing a decline in civics education and the fading presence of classic educational programming like Schoolhouse Rock! in mainstream media.
“Broadcasters are uniquely positioned to help address these concerning developments by providing programming that celebrates the remarkable story of American Independence while also tailoring it to the specific needs of their local communities,” he added.
However, Anna Gomez, the sole Democratic FCC Commissioner, criticized Carr’s campaign on social media, asserting that defending constitutional rights is quintessentially American. “If broadcasters choose to participate in this FCC campaign, they can do so by defending their First Amendment rights and refusing government interference,” she remarked.
In September, ABC briefly suspended Kimmel’s show following his remarks about the shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. This action came after Carr pressured the network to respond to Kimmel’s comments.
Upon returning, Kimmel confronted Carr, referencing a past social media post where Carr acknowledged political satire as a vital form of free speech.
Colbert also took aim at Carr recently, claiming CBS lawyers prevented him from airing an interview with James Talarico, a Democrat running for U.S. Senate in Texas. The FCC mandates equal airtime for political candidates, but it has been traditionally understood that talk shows are exempt from this rule. However, the agency warned in January that not all programs may qualify for this exemption.
“Carr said he was considering eliminating the exception for talk shows because some are driven by partisan motives,” Colbert quipped on his show. “Well, sir, you’re chairman of the FCC. So FCC you. Because I think you are motivated by partisan purposes yourself.”
CBS denied blocking The Late Show from airing the Talarico interview, clarifying that legal guidance indicated potential violations of the FCC equal-time rule due to other candidates involved.
The FCC's regulations for broadcast do not extend to digital platforms; consequently, the interview has garnered over 8.3 million views on The Late Show’s YouTube channel.
In a recent interview with Fox News, Carr defended his agency's stance, asserting that “the days that these legacy media broadcasters get to decide what we can say, what we can think, who we can vote for, are over.” He credited President Trump with dismantling the narrative control previously held by these media outlets.
