Trump’s ‘censorship and control’ campaign threatens press freedom, FCC commissioner says
PBS NewsHourJUL 30
FCC Opens Probe Into Comcast-NBC Affiliate Relations
Above: Brendan Carr, commissioner at the FCC in Washington, DC, U.S., on May 21, 2025. Image copyright: Alex Wroblewski/Bloomberg/Getty Images
The Spin
Republican narrative
The FCC probe represents necessary oversight to protect local broadcasters from predatory network practices. Major networks like NBC are strong-arming affiliates into accepting restrictive terms that undermine editorial independence and community service obligations. These coercive tactics threaten the fundamental purpose of local television and erode trust in the media, weakening their ability to serve the community.
Democratic narrative
Comcast has supported local stations for decades with quality programming that drives viewership in an increasingly competitive media landscape. Local stations remain critical sources of trusted news and life-saving weather information, and the company will continue investing heavily in these partnerships. This is part of a disturbing trend of Trump weaponizing the FCC for ideological purpose and harming free expression.