Trump Appoints Brendan Carr as FCC Chair, Promises Deregulatory Shift
President-elect Donald Trump has appointed Brendan Carr, a seasoned Republican and current member of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), to lead the regulatory body overseeing broadcasting, telecommunications, and broadband industries. Carr, known for his corporate-friendly stance, has recently aligned himself with Trump’s views on social media and television companies.
In a statement, Trump lauded Carr as a "warrior for Free Speech," asserting that his leadership would combat regulatory hindrances affecting job creators and innovators, particularly in rural America. The FCC, although typically operating away from public scrutiny, is poised to play a pivotal role under Carr as controversies surrounding media broadcasts intensify.
Carr has been an FCC commissioner for three terms and previously served as the agency’s general counsel. His allies praise him as intelligent and highly qualified; however, critics note his increasing partisanship, as evidenced by frequent appearances on Fox News promoting a deregulatory agenda. His public advocacy for changes to FCC policies reflects themes consistent with the conservative Heritage Foundation’s Project 2025 framework.
In a notable shift, Carr has attacked major tech companies for their roles in perceived censorship, insisting that new legislation is needed to address their actions, particularly following allegations of biases against conservative viewpoints. He has also supported a ban on TikTok and called for punitive measures against media networks that he believes violate equal-time rules regarding candidate coverage.
As Carr takes the helm, his anticipated deregulatory measures might further transform the media landscape, potentially easing ownership consolidation rules, thereby reshaping the broadcast industry profoundly. The FCC’s role under Carr signals a decisive shift towards a more aggressive regulatory posture reflective of Trump’s vision for media oversight.
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