Brendan Carr, the Trump-appointed chairman of the FCC, wants TV broadcasters to rally around the American flag in celebration of America’s 250th anniversary this year — suggesting that, for example, local stations could start “each broadcast day” with “The Star-Spangled Banner” or the Pledge of Allegiance.
On Friday, Carr announced the Declare America campaign, which he created as part of the White House’s Salute to America 250 Task Force agenda, which “invites citizens to find a new love of American history, experience the beauty of our country, and instill a sense of adventure and innovation that will propel our nation to new heights for years to come.”
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According to the FCC, Carr is “heeding this call” with the Trump White House’s Pledge America campaign, which enables “broadcasters to voice their support for Task Force 250 and broadcast content that celebrates America’s 250th birthday in a high light, patriotic, pro-America and celebrating the historic journey of American citizens. Today through the Trump administration, this great nation from our founding.”
The agency’s announcement came as Carr said he wants to help local TV stations push back against national networks over compensation they pay for programming.
Carr has taken an aggressive stance in enforcing the FCC’s rules to combat what he sees as pro-left bias in some national network programming. This includes his threat to investigate local broadcasters for “distortion of the news” if they broadcast “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” If broadcast. Carr said the FCC “equal time” rule for political candidates applies to afternoon and late-night programs that are not considered “true” news programs. The FCC is investigating ABC’s “The View” for possible violations of same-time rules after Texas politician James Talarico, who is running for the U.S. Senate, appeared on the show. This past Monday, Stephen Colbert said that CBS lawyers prevented “The Late Show” from airing his interview with Talarico, saying it would trigger the FCC’s same-time rule.
Carr released a statement Friday, saying, “The White House is leading our national celebration of this historic event with the America 250 Task Force, which calls on the federal government and others to celebrate this momentous occasion. As part of this effort, I am calling on broadcasters to pledge to provide programs that promote civic education and our shared history, a shared history.”
Carr continued, “This type of programming is more relevant than ever, with surveys showing that civics education is in rapid decline. And classic programming like ‘Schoolhouse Rock!’ Now found only in online archives. Broadcasters are uniquely positioned to help address these developments by offering programs that advance their public interest obligations, tailored to the specific needs of their local communities, by offering programs that celebrate the remarkable story of American independence.
The GOP chairman of the FCC also provided examples of “non-partisan” celebratory pro-American programming:
Running PSAs, short segments or full specials specifically promoting civic education, inspiring local stories, and American history.
Including segments during regular news programs highlighting local sites important to American and regional history, such as National Park Service sites.
Beginning each broadcast day with “The Star-Spangled Banner” or Pledge of Allegiance
Broadcast music by America’s greatest composers such as John Philip Sosa, Aaron Copland, Duke Ellington or George Gershwin
Providing daily “Today in American History” announcements highlighting significant events that occurred on that day in history
Partnering with community organizations and other groups that are already working hard to bring America’s stories of unity, perseverance, and triumph to light.
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