Brendan Carr described as “Trump’s Censorship Czar” as he launches media probes.

Summary

FCC Chairman Brendan Carr has launched an investigation into NPR and PBS, alleging they may be violating federal law by airing commercial advertisements.

He also urged Congress to defund them, arguing taxpayer support is outdated.

Critics, including FCC Democratic commissioners and media advocacy groups, say the move is politically motivated and aimed at intimidating independent journalism.

Carr has previously acted on Trump’s media complaints and contributed to Project 2025.

NPR and PBS deny wrongdoing, asserting their underwriting practices comply with FCC regulations.

  • @gedaliyahM
    26•5 hours ago

    FWIW this is a really dumb move. The only thing stopping PBS and NPR from becoming the leading leftist voice is the Federal accountability.

    If they pull federal funding, they will mostly survive (thanks to “viewers like you”). They will just be untethered from government obligations.

      • @gedaliyahM
        2•32 minutes ago

        Honestly, that’s a fair point.

        • @gndagreborn
          1•19 minutes ago

          I love the intellectual humility.

    • @Stovetop
      1•2 hours ago

      How would this end any differently from other mainstream media outlets, though?

      • @gedaliyahM
        2•2 hours ago

        Obviously because it’s viewer and listener supported. I thought that was pretty clear, but maybe it bears repeating.

        Any news source anywhere near the scale of PBS or NPR is supported by advertisers and owned by a media conglomerate.

        • @draneceusrex
          3•45 minutes ago

          There are certainly advertisers, excuse me, corporate donors contributing. They get their blurbs and ads read at a pretty regular basis, at least between programs. Bur yes, I would hope that the large % of listener donations would keep NPR/PBS the way they are.