Trump Selects Brendan Carr for Headship of Federal Communications Commission

Brendan Carr, a current FCC commissioner and nominee for the chair of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), has found himself at the centre of a political storm, with advocacy groups expressing contrasting views on his nomination.

President-elect Donald Trump announced Carr's nomination in 2020, following his initial appointment to the FCC in 2017. Carr's tenure at the FCC has been marked by his advocacy for deregulation, particularly in the broadcasting industry, and his support for NextGen TV, the industry's transition to the ATSC 3.0 standard.

Carr's nomination, however, has not been without controversy. Craig Aaron, co-CEO of advocacy group Free Press Action, voiced his opposition, warning that Carr's nomination could endanger free speech and the FCC's charter of promoting public discourse. Aaron claimed that Carr is the only sitting government official who co-authored a chapter in the extremist Project 2025 policy roadmap, a blueprint for Donald Trump's second term, which has been criticised for its hardline stance on various issues.

Aaron also accused Carr of supporting media mergers, giving away billions in taxpayer dollars to favored corporations, ending Net Neutrality, and undermining the FCC's ability to hold accountable companies like AT&T, Comcast, and Verizon for abusing internet users. Carr's support for a market-based, lightly regulated approach for the broadcast industry's transition to NextGen TV has further fuelled these concerns.

On the other hand, Perry Sook, CEO of Nexstar Media Group, and the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) have expressed optimism towards Carr's nomination. Sook stated that progress on deregulation has been a catalyst for multiple expansion in the past and plans to move with a sense of urgency on this transition. The NAB congratulated Carr's nomination, stating they are excited to continue their work with him to level the playing field and remove regulatory barriers.

The fight over the proposed merger of Tegna with Standard General became a symbol of the tension between Democrats and Republicans on the commission. Carr stated that the commission should be providing a decision on the merits of the Tegna-Standard General deal, not an uncertain future. However, Rosenworcel, another FCC commissioner, voiced her opposition to the merger over concerns about its potential impact on media diversity, competition, and consumer costs.

Carr's stance on big tech regulation is also a contentious issue. He has advocated for tighter control over big tech and what he views as a widespread "cancel culture," particularly in social media. Interestingly, Carr has also expressed support for banning TikTok in the U.S.

As the debate over Carr's nomination continues, it remains to be seen how his policies will shape the future of the FCC and the broadcasting industry.