D.C. Memo: Carr, Named FCC Chairman, Says He'll Enforce Public Interest Obligations on 'Broadcast Media'

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Mr. Chairman: Incumbent Republican FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr is the next Chairman of the FCC, President-elect Donald Trump said Sunday night. Carr didn't waste any time in enunciating an agenda: "Broadcast media have had the privilege of using a scarce and valuable public resource — our airwaves.  In turn, they are required by law to operate in the public interest. When the transition is complete, the FCC will enforce this public interest obligation," he said on X last night. The FCC has the $8.4 billion Skydance-Paramount Global, parent of CBS, under review and requires the transfer of 28 TV station licenses in 17 markets. Just days before his election victory, Trump sued CBS News for $10 billion in damages, claiming the network doctored a 60 Minutes interview with Vice President Harris to help her in the election. Carr, again on X, had a second agenda item: "The FCC’s most recent budget request said that promoting DEI was the agency’s second highest strategic goal. Starting next year, the FCC will end its promotion of DEI." In his statement, Trump called Carr "a warrior for Free Speech and has fought against the regulatory Lawfare that has stifled Americans freedoms and held back our Economy." Carr said on X, "Thank you, President Trump! I am humbled and honored to serve as Chairman of the FCC. Now we get to work." If tradition holds, FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel will step down near the time of Trump's inauguration on Jan. 20, 2025. But that will leave the FCC with four voting commissioners, two Republicans and two Democrats. That means Carr will need to await confirmation of a third Republican before he can drive his agenda forward.