Brendan Carr (FCC)
Brendan Carr is an attorney who serves as the Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission, a federal agency that regulates radio and television broadcasting, cable television, satellite and some broadband-based services in the United States.
Carr was appointed to the FCC as a Commissioner in 2017 by President Donald Trump during his first term in office; he was confirmed to a consecutive 6-year term as Commissioner in 2023 by former President Joe Biden, and appointed to the role of Chairman by Trump during his second term in office in January 2025.
Prior to his government work, Carr was an attorney at the law firm Wiley Rein, where he practiced on telecommunications-related litigation.
Disney, ABC sue FCC over probe that triggered license renewals
The FCC ordered early review of the stations’ broadcast licenses in April, years before they were set to expire; Disney says the move was retaliation over unfavorable programming.
Nexstar begins replacing TEGNA board after judge says structure violated injunction
Four of five current or former Nexstar executives appointed to TEGNA's Board of Directors have resigned, and the fifth will do so when a new Board is created, the company said in a court filing this week.
FIRST ON THE DESK
Newsmax preps lawsuit over FCC broadcast TV ownership vote
In an interview with The Desk on Tuesday, Newsmax CEO Christopher Ruddy reaffirmed his commitment to litigation and said FCC Chairman Brendan Carr was "not good for conservatives."
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Trump nominates Carr aide Danielle Thumann Severs to vacant FCC seat
Her confirmation would give Republicans three seats on the commission, the maximum allowed under FCC party-balance rules and the minimum needed for a quorum.
FCC votes to end broadcast TV ownership cap
By a 2-1 vote cast along party lines, the FCC adopted a proposal that eliminates the 39 percent ownership cap on broadcast TV stations, inviting possible legal challenges.
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Maryland Congressman Jamie Raskin warns FCC against probe into ABC’s TV licenses
Raskin said federal lawmakers might bring more heat to the FCC in the future if it continues to carry out politically-motivated attacks against broadcasters.
FCC vote on ownership cap coincides with broadcast-related financial earnings releases
Several companies with deals pending before or approved by the FCC will release their Q2 earnings on Thursday, the same day as a vote on the broadcast ownership cap.
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FCC reviewing recent affiliation swap announcement, Chairman Carr says
The FCC generally cannot interfere in broadcast-related transactions involving network affiliation deals, but Carr is going to try anyway.
Disney urges FCC to toss petitions challenging ABC broadcast licenses
In a letter submitted to the FCC, Disney said some national advocacy groups have targeted its ABC broadcast network for purely political reasons.
Free speech groups back Disney in ongoing fight with FCC
The letter says Disney should continue defending its First Amendment rights as it challenges the FCC’s early license renewal order for eight ABC-owned stations.
FCC vs. ABC
Former FCC officials blast agency’s targeting of ABC
The group called the review unprecedented and accused the FCC of using its regulatory authority to pressure Disney and ABC over protected editorial decisions.
FCC Chairman Carr: ABC decision to skip Trump speech will factor into license review
Eight ABC-owned stations are currently subject to the FCC's license renewal process over Disney's purported use of DEI practices.