Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Brendan Carr is facing scrutiny for actions perceived as government interference in broadcast journalism, a stance that appears to contradict views he expressed as a minority commissioner. Critics highlight a notable shift from his previous condemnation of government meddling in newsroom decisions to his current role in scrutinizing media content. The change has drawn criticism from various quarters, including former FCC officials and press freedom advocates.
Jacob Sullum, in a recent tweet, stated, > "FCC Chairman Brendan Carr's meddling in broadcast journalism contradicts the views he expressed as a minority commissioner during the Biden administration, when he condemned government interference with newsroom decisions." This observation underscores a perceived inconsistency in Carr's approach to media regulation. As Chairman, Carr has initiated investigations into major broadcasters and has linked merger approvals to concessions on news coverage, aiming to address what he terms "bias."
During his tenure as a minority commissioner, Carr was a vocal proponent of limited government intervention in media. In 2021, he asserted that "a newsroom’s decision about what stories to cover and how to frame them should be beyond the reach of any government official." He also previously argued against the FCC acting as the "nation's speech police," emphasizing the importance of journalistic freedom and First Amendment norms.
Recent actions by Chairman Carr include reopening investigations into news outlets like CBS, ABC, and NBC concerning their reporting on specific events, and scrutinizing their Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs. These moves have been characterized by some as an attempt to influence editorial judgment and have prompted ethics complaints from organizations such as the Freedom of the Press Foundation. FCC Commissioner Anna Gomez has also voiced concerns, stating that Carr is "imposing never-before-seen controls over newsroom decisions and editorial judgment."
The FCC's approval of the Paramount/Skydance merger, for instance, reportedly included conditions related to CBS news coverage, which Carr publicly highlighted as bringing "significant changes" to the network's journalism. This has led to accusations that the agency is setting itself up as an arbiter of journalistic standards, a role traditionally viewed as outside its purview due to First Amendment protections. The ongoing debate highlights broader concerns about the independence of the press and the regulatory boundaries of government oversight in media.