### Brendan Carr’s Perspective for the FCC: Penalizing Broadcast Media and Disassembling the “Censorship Cartel”
Brendan Carr, presently a member of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), has been appointed by President-elect Donald Trump to take on the role of the next FCC Chairman. Carr, a dedicated conservative and outspoken opponent of net neutrality, has consistently championed the deregulation of telecommunications firms while advocating for heightened oversight of Big Tech and social media platforms. His selection indicates a notable transformation in the FCC’s focus, especially concerning free speech, media regulation, and the influence of Big Tech on public dialogue.
#### Carr’s Experience and Trump’s Support
Carr is well-acquainted with the FCC, having been a commissioner since 2017. He has openly opposed net neutrality and other regulations that he argues hinder innovation and economic advancement. His conservative ideology resonates closely with Trump’s, particularly in their mutual criticism of what they view as biased media reporting and the monopolistic dominance of Big Tech corporations.
In his announcement, Trump lauded Carr as a “champion for Free Speech” and highlighted his dedication to eradicating what he labeled “regulatory lawfare” that has suppressed American freedoms and economic progress. Trump’s backing of Carr is a component of a larger initiative to transform the FCC into an organization that will, in Trump’s terms, “serve rural America” and eliminate regulations that have traditionally guided the telecommunications sector.
#### Penalizing Broadcast Media
One of Carr’s most contentious initiatives is his intention to tighten regulations on broadcast media. In a post on his X (formerly Twitter) account, Carr expressed that broadcasters have historically profited from utilizing public airwaves, a “scarce and valuable public resource,” and are legally required to function in the public interest. Carr has indicated that the FCC, under his guidance, will rigorously enforce this public interest requirement, potentially reprimanding broadcasters that do not comply with these expectations.
Carr’s perspective on broadcast media is consistent with Trump’s enduring grievances against news outlets that he believes display bias against him. For example, Carr previously took issue with NBC for showcasing then-Vice President Kamala Harris on *Saturday Night Live*, claiming it was an effort to circumvent the FCC’s Equal Time rule. Despite NBC providing equal time to the Trump campaign, Carr’s remarks imply that he may be inclined to impose sanctions on broadcasters he perceives as unjustly biased.
#### A Shift from Previous FCC Leadership
Carr’s methodology towards media regulation represents a sharp departure from prior FCC chairs, both Republican and Democrat. Jessica Rosenworcel, the current FCC chairwoman, has been a strong advocate for free speech, condemning Trump’s suggestions to revoke broadcast licenses from networks such as CBS and ABC. Rosenworcel has stressed that the First Amendment is fundamental to American democracy and that the FCC should not revoke licenses based on political differences.
Likewise, former FCC Chairman Ajit Pai, a Republican appointed by Trump, dismissed the notion of revoking broadcast licenses in 2017. Pai contended that the FCC under his leadership would uphold the First Amendment, asserting that the agency lacks the power to revoke a station’s license due to the content of its newscasts. In contrast, Carr appears more inclined to consider punitive measures against broadcasters, especially those he views as biased against conservative perspectives.
#### Targeting the “Censorship Cartel”
Beyond his aspirations for broadcast media, Carr has also turned his attention towards what he labels the “censorship cartel”—a phrase he uses to describe Big Tech firms such as Facebook, Google, and Apple. Carr has accused these companies of being pivotal in suppressing conservative viewpoints and promoting “unilateral narratives.” He has called for the dismantling of this alleged cartel and the restoration of free speech rights for ordinary Americans.
Carr’s viewpoints on Big Tech reflect Trump’s previous efforts to restrict the legal protections afforded to social media platforms under Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act. Section 230 protects platforms from liability for content created by third-party users, yet Trump and Carr argue that this immunity should be restricted, especially when platforms eliminate content they find objectionable. Carr has encouraged the FCC to reinterpret Section 230 in a manner that would limit these protections, a change that would likely encounter significant legal obstacles.
#### Ending Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Initiatives
Another crucial domain where Carr intends to instigate changes is the FCC’s approach towards diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Carr has criticized the FCC’s emphasis on DEI, which he contends has become a primary strategic goal of the agency. In a recent post, Carr declared that the FCC under his leadership would cease its advocacy for DEI, indicating a retreat from policies aimed at addressing systemic obstacles in the telecommunications sector.
The current FCC, under Rosenworcel’s direction, has prioritized initiatives to eradicate historical and structural barriers that have disadvantaged underserved communities. These initiatives include promoting diversity
