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.
FCC Media Bureau launches probe into TV ratings system
The FCC is reviewing whether the TV ratings system still helps parents make informed viewing decisions.
FCC to cut jobs at media, enforcement offices, requests smaller budget from Congress
The FCC is requesting a reduced budget of $398.3 million and plans to cut up to 110 staff positions during fiscal year 2027.
Opponents of Nexstar-TEGNA merger accuse CEO of “doublespeak”
Two organization said Nexstar CEO Perry Sook’s comments to investors contradict claims made to regulators about market challenges and economic studies.
FIRST ON THE DESK
FCC Commissioner Gomez says Carr’s threats against broadcasters are baseless
Gomez noted the FCC has no broadcast license renewals scheduled until 2028, making enforcement unlikely.
FIRST ON THE DESK
Trump’s FCC Chairman threatens broadcast licenses over war propaganda
In a series of social media posts, FCC Chairman Brendan Carr strongly implied that broadcasters could lose their licenses if they don't repeat conflict-related talking points.
Optimum says FCC should review rule banning substitute broadcast signals during blackouts
The cable operator warned Nexstar’s proposed $6 billion TEGNA acquisition could drive higher retransmission fees and more blackouts for subscribers.
FIRST ON THE DESK
FCC Chairman Carr says broadcasters should air “pro-America programming”
The initiative suggests PSAs, historical segments and daily patriotic features, though it creates no new mandates amid heightened FCC oversight of station licenses.
FCC chairman says agency investigating “The View” over Talarico interview
Carr recently warned talk shows may lose long-standing equal time exemptions if interviews are deemed partisan rather than newsworthy.
Trump backs Nexstar-TEGNA deal, despite DEI philosophy
Trump’s support for the Nexstar-TEGNA deal comes despite past opposition to DEI initiatives, signaling a pragmatic carve-out.
FCC Commissioner Gomez says agency not investigating “The View”
Gomez said a report that the agency is investigating The View is merely an intimidation tactic, not a legitimate enforcement matter.
FIRST ON THE DESK
FCC Chairman says “partisan motivation” will dictate equal time enforcement
FCC Chairman Brendan Carr said the agency will assess a talk show’s “partisan motivation” when deciding whether equal time rules apply to political interviews.
EDITORIAL
FCC approves foreign ownership rules for radio, TV stations
The changes clarify Section 310(b) standards and aim to streamline reviews and shorten application processing times.