Brendan Carr Named Chairman of the FCC by Trump

RADIO ONLINE | Sunday, November 17, 2024

Brendan Carr

President-elect Donald Trump has announced his intention to appoint Brendan Carr as the new Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Carr, a Republican and current FCC Commissioner, has been serving on the commission since 2017, when he was unanimously confirmed by the Senate after being nominated by Trump.

In a statement on Sunday, Trump praised Carr's leadership and accomplishments during his time at the FCC. "His current term runs through 2029, and because of his great work, I will now be designating him as permanent Chairman," said Trump.

Carr, who previously served as the FCC's general counsel and as an adviser to former FCC Chairman Ajit Pai, has been a prominent voice in the agency. As the senior Republican on the commission, Carr has championed efforts to expand broadband access, particularly in rural areas, and has supported initiatives that align with Trump's deregulation priorities.

Carr has also been an advocate for innovation in technology, notably supporting SpaceX CEO Elon Musk's efforts to secure subsidies for broadband internet services via satellite. His approach to communications policy has included sharp criticism of certain media practices, such as Vice President Kamala Harris's recent appearance on NBC's "Saturday Night Live," which he publicly questioned.

NAB President and CEO Curtis LeGeyt said in a statement, "NAB congratulates Commissioner Carr on his selection as the next chairman of the FCC. Commissioner Carr has been a steadfast leader in holding Big Tech accountable and supporting policies that will allow local broadcast stations to better compete with these behemoths and thrive. We are excited to continue our work with the chairman-designate to level the playing field and remove regulatory barriers that impede investment in local broadcast newsrooms."

The FCC, an independent agency, oversees communications systems in the U.S., including radio, television, satellite and broadband. If confirmed as Chairman, Carr will steer the agency through key challenges, such as expanding internet access and navigating technological shifts in communications infrastructure.