The chair of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has reportedly decided to initiate an investigation into National Public Radio (NPR) and Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) due to allegations that they have been “airing commercials.”
“I am concerned that NPR and PBS broadcasts could be violating federal law by airing commercials,” FCC Chair Brendan Carr wrote in a new letter.
“In particular, it is possible that NPR and PBS member stations are broadcasting underwriting announcements that cross the line into prohibited commercial advertisements.” the letter continued.
NPR President and CEO Katherine Maher attempted to defend the organization’s programming and underwriting messaging in a new statement issued Thursday.
“We are confident any review of our programming and underwriting practices will confirm NPR’s adherence to these rules. We have worked for decades with the FCC in support of noncommercial educational broadcasters who provide essential information, educational programming, and emergency alerts to local communities across the United States.” Maher said.
In recent years, President Trump and other conservatives have been speaking out against public broadcasters, accusing them of being biased and saying that taxpayer monies should not be used to subsidize the channels.
Carr’s letter comes at a time when his statements have been made.
Carr made an announcement the previous week that he would revisit a number of complaints against major broadcast outlets that had been dropped by the administration of former President Biden.
He has also pledged to fight against what he refers to as “censorship” in the mainstream media.
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