Brendan Carr incoming chairman of Federal Communications Commission FCC is sending a stern message to TV stations and networks by using the ABC recent settlement with former President Donald Trump . Brendan Carr appointed commissioner by President Donald Trump is taking a different approach from prior agency heads using his new FCC role. The Federal Communications Commission is facing changing times following a change in leadership.
Brendan Carr Cites ABC's Trump Settlement Signaling Shift In Priorities within Media Regulation
Brendan Carr contacted Disney CEO Bob Iger about the negotiations between the Disney owned ABC network and its affiliated stations in United States to signal change in the way the agency will be conducted. Carr a commissioner since 2017 highlighted ABC settlement with President Trump as evidence of national news media’s lack of credibility along with claims of media distrust from Americans that impact viewership . Carr also used the case of the ABC settlement that paid 15 million dollars to former President Trump plus one million in legal fees as point of reference.
FCC Chairman Focuses on Local Media, Broadcasting Regulations, and Public Trust in Media
Carr identified national networks and local stations indicating positive views of local news outlets from the general public but not national broadcasting corporations. He has been a vocal proponent for more local content to give local areas programming that will reflect their direct environment. Brendan Carr previously concentrated on alleged “Big Tech” censorship by Republicans prior to his new FCC position indicating his personal political interests that directly impact the way media will be governed under his direction. Carr appears ready to engage with critics who view his FCC actions as bully tactics across social media and elsewhere as well.
FCC Power and Regulation Tactics with Key Media Corporations
Disney has to respectfully respond to FCC given that the FCC governs its station licensing along with retransmission rights. Television station license renewals tend to be pro forma. During his election campaign Trump wanted ABC and others to lose licenses altogether but typically there are very few contests over stations in modern broadcasting standards. The FCC also governs “retransmission consent ” the method in which distributors pay channels. When Disney’s channels disappeared on DirecTV’s programming schedule this past September retransmission consent was a key point of conflict between both parties.
Tensions Rise as ABC Negotiates with Affiliated Stations Under FCC Watch
Many ABC show broadcasts are not run by the network itself rather by external entities that make agreements to air their network programs that may present some friction and contention for local affiliates. Carr in the communication to Iger expressed his concern of “onerous financial concessions” ABC demands threatening established relationships and possible blackouts. The new chairman also voices concern over Disney’s focus on its global streaming efforts impacting locally available free stations which mirrors similar claims made against numerous other prominent media companies across all industries and markets. Brendan Carr will “monitor” the outcome of ABC discussions guaranteeing stations satisfy federal responsibilities while serving people effectively and respectfully which is often overlooked during media acquisitions and disputes between corporations. Carr also feels the national programming disconnect increases the significance of local broadcasts utilizing their revenue to improve and elevate the local community content in their market .
Historical FCC Constraints Compared To Carr’s Assertive Approach with Big Tech and Media
The FCC historically cannot directly control programming or media conduct however Carr is adopting a more interventionist approach as incoming chair by trying to shape media companies from above using policy. An ABC spokesperson did not offer an immediate comment. Carr positions himself as friend of local media and foe of corporate interests and this difference in focus creates tension within established media guidelines that are used in current media distribution and content creation as it currently exists. The FCC will play an expanded role with the new leadership. Brendan Carr previously had involvement with Project 2025 while using an X account demonstrating willingness to make direct and bold actions. He may consider FCC position a powerful platform to bring his views and policy to the public by going straight to the public via social media or using public channels to air any grievances that he identifies with his position.