Federal Communications Commission Chairman Brendan Carr used the Milken Institute Global Conference to highlight his first 100 days in office and discuss his ongoing priorities regarding deregulation and free speech on public airwaves. In a conversation with MSNBC’s David Faber, Carr praised his team for initiating “the largest deregulation initiative in the FCC’s history,” through the Delete, Delete, Delete review. He stated they have proposed to close approximately 2,000 dockets.
Amid concerns about Republican “weaponization” of the FCC for political aims, Carr reaffirmed his stance on free speech, particularly for broadcast licensees. He argued that “broadcast is simply different,” citing the FCC’s duty to enforce public interest standards due to the exclusive nature of broadcast licenses. He explained that unlike podcasts or cable shows, broadcasters have a public interest obligation because they are granted monopolistic access to a public resource, the airwaves, which inherently excludes others from speaking.
Carr contended that the increasing influence of national network programming over local stations erodes trust and restricts localism. He mentioned hearing from local broadcasters who express a desire to serve their local communities but are obligated to carry national programming.
When questioned about political pressure from a one-time chief executive who has publicly criticized MSNBC, CBS, and other media outlets, Carr responded that “the president has his own First Amendment right… I think it’s good and healthy for the country.” Carr emphasized that pending complaints and transactions involving networks such as CBS are being reviewed based on legal principles, not political statements.
Many of Carr’s plans depend on the swift establishment of a Republican majority on the FCC, which is anticipated either through the likely appointment of Olivia Trusty to fill the third GOP seat or upon Democratic Commissioner Geoffrey Starks vacating his seat this spring.
Looking forward, Carr stated that success at the end of his tenure would involve fewer obsolete regulations, restored spectrum authority, and more efficient permitting for next-generation broadband. He concluded that achieving the right spectrum allocation and deregulation would constitute a strong record.