If you thought FCC Chairman Brendan Carr was only putting pressure on television networks, think again.
The same FCC that’s been investigating network news divisions, questioning editorial decisions, and publicly sparring with major TV broadcasters is sending a message to radio as well: we’re watching you.
And the most important question raised by that message isn’t whether broadcasters serve the public interest.
It’s who gets to define what the public interest is.
This week, the FCC’s Media Bureau released a seven-page reminder of broadcasters’ “public interest” obligations. On its face, the document looks dry and bureaucratic. A refresher on licensing rules. Nothing new.
But that’s not how many broadcasters will read it.
