FCC Chairman Brendan Carr Critiques Local TV Stations for Following National Networks Too Closely
FCC Chairman Brendan Carr Addresses Shift in Power Toward National Broadcast Networks at CES
LAS VEGAS—During his address at the CES conference on Thursday, FCC Chairman Brendan Carr underscored a significant shift in the broadcasting landscape, asserting that local TV affiliates have lost influence to national broadcast networks.
“In the broadcast space, you have the national programmers—Disney, Paramount, Fox, Comcast,” Carr stated. “On the other hand, you’ve got the actual licensed, individual local TV stations that distribute that content. Over the years, the balance of power has shifted too far into the hands of the national programmers, and they’re effectively just using local TV stations as outlets for their own programming.”
Carr expressed that the FCC is exploring strategies to empower local broadcast stations, advocating for their role in identifying and serving the needs of their communities. “It’s not merely to become a pass-through for content produced by those national programmers,” he emphasized.
Carr’s comments reflect ongoing tensions in the broadcasting sector, particularly following his previous criticisms directed at Jimmy Kimmel Live! after a controversial quip during a monologue regarding conservative activist Charlie Kirk’s death. His position as a Trump-appointed regulator has often aligned him with concerns voiced by the White House and Trump supporters. Following Carr’s remarks on a right-wing podcast, major station groups Nexstar and Sinclair announced plans to pull Kimmel’s show, leading ABC to temporarily suspend it.
“It’s important for broadcasters to operate in the public interest,” Carr noted, remarking on broadcasters who fail to meet this obligation. “There are broadcasters that are engaging in news distortion, becoming 100% a mouthpiece for a national programmer rather than looking out for their local community interests.”
Carr’s statements echoed sentiments expressed by former President Trump, who has claimed that networks delivering what he considers inaccurate coverage should “lose their license.”
While outlining the responsibilities of broadcast license holders, Carr remarked, “You don’t necessarily get to conduct yourself the same way you would if you’re running a podcast or a soapbox or a review.” He further suggested that those unhappy with the FCC’s expectations could relinquish their licenses and explore alternative content distribution methods, including cable channels and podcasts.
The panel discussion, moderated by Gary Shapiro of the Consumer Technology Association, saw Shapiro commend Carr for his insights on public interest obligations and express appreciation for his work. Concluding the session, Shapiro remarked, “I did not expect—who could think you were so brilliant?”
Carr’s light-hearted response, “It’s so different in real life than on Twitter, apparently,” drew laughter from the audience, highlighting a moment of levity amid serious discussions on the future of broadcasting.
