Trump’s FCC investigating leftist NPR and PBS for possibly breaking federal law

 February 1, 2025

Brendan Carr, recently appointed by President Donald Trump as the head of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), has launched an investigation into potential legal breaches by National Public Radio (NPR) and the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS).

Breitbart reported that concerns have been raised by the FCC about whether NPR and PBS have been airing what might be classified as commercial advertisements, which could contravene federal guidelines reserved for public broadcasting channels.

The investigation specifically examines the content described as underwriting spots, which are permitted under current laws but must not include direct commercial prompts or endorsements.

Carr articulated his suspicions in a detailed letter sent last Wednesday to Katherine Maher and Paula Kerger, the presidents and chief executives of NPR and PBS respectively. This correspondence emphasizes the stringent regulations governing the broadcasting practices of stations using public airwaves.

Legislative and Funding Debates Surround Public Broadcasting

The timing of the investigation is critical, coinciding with discussions among lawmakers about possibly defunding these entities.

Carr's concerns reflect a broader dialogue within federal policymaking circles about the appropriateness of continuing financial support for NPR and PBS under the altered conditions of today's media landscape.

This legislative scrutiny follows revelations about potential political biases within NPR, highlighted by reports earlier this year showing a disparity in the political affiliations of key editorial staff. Such findings have sparked debates concerning the impartiality of publicly funded news outlets.

House Speaker Mike Johnson has expressed support for defunding NPR and PBS as part of broader efforts to reduce government expenditure, a move echoed by sentiments from other Republican figures who question the nonpartisan stance of these organizations.

In response to the FCC's allegations, both Kerger and Maher have confidently denied any wrongdoing.

They ensure that their operations fully comply with FCC regulations concerning non-commercial broadcasting.

Maher has particularly highlighted NPR's longstanding cooperation with the FCC, emphasizing their role in providing essential educational content alongside local and emergency information through a network of noncommercial broadcasters.

Kerger also reaffirmed PBS's commitment to offering educational programming without commercial influence, underscoring the public service aspect of their broadcasting mission.

Impact of Federal Funding on Public Broadcasters

The financial implications for NPR and PBS are significant. NPR receives a notable portion of its funding from various levels of government, with about 10% coming from federal, state, and local contributions and directly about 1% from federal coffers.

PBS, on the other hand, relies on approximately 16% of its budget being furnished by federal government funds annually.

This funding is crucial for maintaining the broad array of services provided by these broadcasters, which include not only educational and informative programming but also vital emergency broadcasts across the United States.

The potential repercussions of a successful challenge to NPR and PBS’s compliance with FCC regulations could extend beyond simple funding cuts, possibly affecting the breadth and scope of their programming, and impacting the educational landscape in the U.S.

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