FCC Chair Opens Probe Into NPR and PBS

The Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) chair has launched an investigation against NPR and PBS for their alleged “airings of commercials.”

Brendan Carr, FCC chair, wrote in an open letter to The New York Times that he was concerned about the possibility that NPR and PBS could be breaking federal law by broadcasting commercials. It is possible, in particular, that NPR and PBS members are broadcasting underwriting messages that cross the line to become prohibited commercial advertisements.

NPR’s President and CEO Katherine Maher stated that the station’s underwriting and programming “complies” with federal regulations. This includes the FCC guidelines for underwriting messages of noncommercial educational broadcasters.

Maher stated, “We’re confident that any review of NPR’s programming and underwriting will confirm NPR’s adherence to the rules. We have been working with the FCC for many decades to support noncommercial educational broadcasters that provide vital information, educational programs, and emergency alerts in local communities throughout the United States.”

PBS’s representative said: “The broadcaster takes pride in the noncommercial educational programs we offer to all Americans via our member stations.”

A spokesperson for the outlet stated, “We are committed to complying with the FCC underwriting regulations. We welcome the chance to show that to the Commission.”

Carr’s letter is timely, as Trump and other conservatives in recent years have attacked public broadcasters for alleged bias and suggested that taxpayer dollars shouldn’t be used to fund them.

Anna M. Gomez, the agency’s commissioner, said that this appears to be another Administration attempt to weaponize FCC power in a social media post linking to the Times report. The FCC should not intimidate and silence broadcast media.

NPR receives the majority of its funding from private sponsors and contributions from listeners, although it also receives a small amount from federal funds and member stations.

Carr announced last week that he will reopen several complaints against major broadcasters which were dismissed by the administration of former President Biden. He has also vowed to fight what he refers to as “censorship” within mainstream media.