Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Launches Investigation into NPR and PBS
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has launched an investigation into potential violations of federal law by National Public Radio (NPR) and Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) over concerns that member stations may be airing “prohibited commercial advertisements.”
According to a letter obtained by The New York Times, FCC chair Brendan Carr wrote to NPR CEO Katherine Maher and PBS CEO Paula Kerger, stating, “I am concerned that NPR and PBS broadcasts could be violating federal law by airing commercials.” Carr noted that he will alert Congress to the investigation, as lawmakers are currently weighing whether NPR and PBS should receive taxpayer funds.
The FCC allows businesses to support non-commercial radio and television stations through on-air announcements known as underwriting sponsorships, which are subject to different rules than traditional TV or radio ads. However, Carr is concerned that some of these announcements may cross the line into prohibited commercial advertising.
NPR and PBS both announced that they comply with FCC guidelines on underwriting messages for non-commercial educational broadcasters. NPR CEO Maher said, “We are confident any review of our programming and underwriting practices will confirm NPR’s adherence to these rules.” PBS added that it also complies with FCC underwriting regulations, saying, “We have worked for decades with the FCC in support of non-commercial educational broadcasters who provide essential information, educational programming, and emergency alerts to local communities across the United States.”
The investigation comes as the Trump administration is considering defunding both NPR and PBS, with some Republican lawmakers introducing legislation to cut their funding. President Trump has also criticized the organizations on social media, calling them “a liberal disinformation machine” and “a total scam.”
Carr, who was appointed by President Trump to lead the FCC, has been a strong advocate for free speech and has criticized actions taken by NBC over its handling of political candidate appearances on its programming. The investigation is ongoing, and the FCC has not yet announced any findings or penalties for potential violations.
