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FCC Investigates NPR and PBS Over Alleged Underwriting Violations

Trump-appointed FCC Chair Brendan Carr calls for scrutiny of public broadcasters and urges Congress to reconsider federal funding.

  • FCC Chairman Brendan Carr has launched an investigation into NPR and PBS, citing concerns that their underwriting announcements may violate federal regulations prohibiting commercial advertising on public broadcasting.
  • Carr's investigation aligns with his broader push to eliminate federal funding for public broadcasters, echoing President Trump's long-standing opposition to such subsidies.
  • NPR and PBS executives have strongly denied the allegations, asserting that their underwriting practices comply with FCC rules and longstanding federal guidelines.
  • Critics, including FCC Democratic commissioners and media advocacy groups, argue that the investigation is a politically motivated effort to intimidate public media and undermine its funding.
  • Public broadcasting relies on a mix of funding sources, with federal contributions accounting for a small but vital portion, particularly for rural stations.
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