Key Takeaways:

• FCC Chairman Brendan Carr initiates investigations into NPR and PBS regarding potential violations involving commercial advertisements.
• Both NPR and PBS assert that they adhere to federal regulations regarding sponsorship and underwriting messaging.
• The investigations are part of a broader discussion on public funding for broadcasters amid concerns of political bias and media integrity.
• Carr's probe ties into Trump's previous calls to defund public media.
• Democratic FCC commissioners express concern over potential media intimidation and threats to free speech.

The chairman of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), Brendan Carr, has launched an investigation into NPR and PBS over allegations that these public broadcasters are violating federal law by airing commercials. Carr, appointed by President Donald Trump, expressed concern that the underwriting announcements broadcasted by NPR and PBS might be crossing the line into prohibited commercial advertisements in a letter directed to both organizations. In his communication, Carr emphasized the importance of noncommercial educational broadcasting, stating, "I am concerned that NPR and PBS broadcasts could be violating federal law by airing commercials." This investigation could have implications for the licensing of over one thousand local NPR and PBS stations, which rely on FCC licenses to operate on public airwaves.

Both NPR and PBS have firmly defended their practices. NPR's President Katherine Maher stated that the organization's programming complies with federal regulations, asserting confidence that a review would confirm adherence to these rules. PBS echoed this sentiment, emphasizing its commitment to providing noncommercial educational programming and compliance with FCC underwriting regulations. "PBS is proud of the noncommercial educational programming we provide to all Americans through our member stations," said PBS President Paula Kerger in response to the allegations.

The investigations align with a longstanding criticism from certain conservatives regarding public broadcasters. Carr's initiative has revived discussions on federal funding for NPR and PBS, with lawmakers debating whether taxpayer dollars should continue to subsidize what some call "liberal bias" in public media. The FCC is expected to notify Congress about the ongoing investigations, which Carr indicated could play a role in legislative considerations regarding public funding. "For my own part, I do not see a reason why Congress should continue sending taxpayer dollars to NPR and PBS, given the changes in the media marketplace since the passage of the Public Broadcasting Act of 1967," he remarked.

This investigation has drawn criticism from Democratic members of the FCC, notably Commissioner Geoffrey Starks, who labelled Carr's actions as a direct threat to the free flow of information. Starks described the move as a potential intimidation tactic, warning of its consequences for public discourse. FCC Commissioner Anna Gomez also questioned the appropriateness of using FCC power to suppress broadcast media.

The context of Carr's investigation can be linked to broader efforts from the Trump administration to negate public funding for media perceived as politically biased. Trump's administration has openly opposed NPR, referring to it as a "liberal disinformation machine." The chapter on the FCC in the conservative policy roadmap Project 2025, co-authored by Carr, suggests ceasing public funding for perceived noncompliance, reiterating the administration's stance on the matter. Proponents argue that federal funding diminishes the integrity of public broadcasting, questioning the necessity of taxpayer subsidies in a changing media landscape.

As the investigations unfold, NPR and PBS remain steadfast in their operations, focusing on delivering essential information and educational programming to communities across the country. They stress their commitment to compliance with established regulations, hoping to dispel concerns about alleged financial impropriety and manipulation of the media narrative.

For more details, read the full reports on The Hill, USA Today, NPR, Salon, and The Daily Beast.