How Trump’s FCC chief pick could make life more difficult for media companies

As a seasoned journalist with over two decades of experience in this ever-evolving media landscape, I find myself both intrigued and apprehensive about the nomination of Brendan Carr as the next chairman of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).

The selection of Brendan Carr by President-elect Trump as the new head of the Federal Communications Commission has sparked a mix of optimism and apprehension within the media sector.

For media executives, the hope comes in the promise of industry consolidation.

Companies like Fox Television Stations, Nexstar Media Group, Tegna, and Gray Media are keen on acquiring additional TV stations to enhance their competition against financially robust tech companies, who are actively chasing viewers and advertising revenue. It is anticipated that Carr will favor reconsidering the regulation concerning ownership of television stations.

The trepidation comes from Carr’s open criticism of broadcasters and tech firms on behalf of Trump, who is famously hostile to journalists and outlets that criticize him. Carr, a Republican nominated to the FCC during Trump’s first term in 2017 and again by President Biden in 2023, wrote the chapter on the FCC in the conservative policy blueprint Project 2025.

During the election, he took to social media to highlight that, as Vice President, Kamala Harris was a guest on NBC’s “Saturday Night Live” on November 2nd. He emphasized that, under the Fairness Doctrine (FCC’s equal time provision), the network should have also extended an invitation to Trump.

NBC accommodated by allotting Trump some airtime after a NASCAR race and post-“Sunday Night Football.” (Additionally, NBC’s parent company Comcast sent a public message commending Carr for his nomination.)

On Tuesday, Carr once more drew industry focus as he shared with Fox News his perspective on the potential Paramount Global merge with Skydance Media, stating that any advice he gives would take into account recent allegations from Trump’s team claiming CBS News manipulated its “60 Minutes” conversation with Harris to make her seem clearer.

Carr stated that it’s possible the controversy about the allegedly manipulated news story on ’60 Minutes’ could come up during the Federal Communications Commission’s examination of that deal.

A representative for CBS had no comment on Carr’s remarks.

Large media corporations are preparing for the likelihood that they might comply with President-elect Trump’s demands, should he take action against news outlets that are not favorable towards him.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC), being an autonomous body answerable to Congress, has faced proposals from President Trump aiming to strengthen executive oversight of the agency. Prior to his presidency, Trump advocated for the FCC to revoke the broadcast licenses of networks like ABC, NBC, and CBS due to their reporting that displeased him.

As a dedicated movie-goer and advocate for fair media, I can’t help but express my approval for Carr’s recent statement on X. He’s made it clear that he will prioritize enforcing laws that encourage broadcasters to serve the public good. This is a step in the right direction towards maintaining a balanced and responsible broadcasting landscape.

As a film enthusiast, I can tell you from my perspective, there’s a buzz among certain circles connected to the incoming administration, who are quietly brainstorming ideas on how to address the president-elect’s perception that the media was biased against him during the election campaign.

Some reporters find Trump’s warnings credible. MSNBC personalities, Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski – once friendly with Trump but now vocal critics of his presidency and conduct – sought to restore their connection with the president-elect at Mar-a-Lago.

However, Jeffrey McCall, a communication professor at DePaux University, views Carr’s comments as mere posturing, expressing skepticism that the nominee would actually wield the commission’s power over public airwaves for political gain.

McCall expressed difficulty accepting the idea that a merger could be delayed due to a single broadcast by ’60 Minutes’, based on one particular interview they had conducted.

I’m inclined to agree with McCall’s perspective. He suggests that Carr is astute enough to understand the value of responding with “I’ll consider it.” However, Carr appears skeptical about the commissioner imposing penalties on a company due to editorial decisions.

Executives in the broadcasting sector are heartened by Carr’s proposal for stricter oversight of the technology industry, as detailed in his contribution to Project 2025. Carr advocates for tech firms to be more open about adjustments to their algorithms and reasons behind user blocking or monetization restrictions.

In a post on X, Carr argued that we need to break down the powerful group controlling censorship and reinstate the right to free speech for ordinary citizens, following Trump’s appointment.

The stations feel they’re at an unfair disadvantage, as they’re required to abide by rules that aren’t applicable to their digitally-based counterparts.

Broadcasting companies face challenges when competing against tech firms aiming to capture a larger market of TV viewers and advertising revenue, due in part to regulations governing station ownership. Specifically, a rule stipulates that a single company cannot control broadcast TV stations reaching over 39% of U.S. households, a restriction established long before the rise of streaming video services eroding traditional television’s audience base.

Modern media leaders view this restriction as outdated, given the current trend where numerous viewers are moving away from conventional TV towards streaming platforms.

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2024-11-21 22:01