Donald Trump and his administration are cleaning up the federal government. They want to erase all corruption in Washington, D.C.
And this Trump official is investigating a government program for committing an unspeakable crime.
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has launched an investigation into NPR and PBS, examining whether their member stations aired “prohibited commercial advertisements,” according to a letter that The New York Times collected.
FCC Chair Brendan Carr expressed concerns that the two public broadcasters may have violated federal law by airing commercials. “I am concerned that NPR and PBS broadcasts could be violating federal law by airing commercials,” Carr wrote, according to The Times. “In particular, it is possible that NPR and PBS member stations are broadcasting underwriting announcements that cross the line into prohibited commercial advertisements.”
The Distinction Between Sponsorships and Advertisements
The FCC permits businesses to support noncommercial broadcasters, such as NPR, PBS, and college radio stations, through underwriting sponsorships. These announcements differ from standard advertisements and must comply with other FCC guidelines.
Carr sent letters last week to NPR CEO Katherine Maher and PBS CEO Paula Kerger, notifying them of the investigation, The Times reported. A veteran FCC commissioner since 2017, Carr was appointed as chair by President Donald Trump during his second term.
Beyond the regulatory concerns, Carr indicated that the findings of this investigation could influence ongoing congressional discussions about the funding of public broadcasters. “In particular, Congress is actively considering whether to stop requiring taxpayers to subsidize NPR and PBS programming,” he wrote.
He added that if taxpayer dollars are supporting a “for profit endeavor or an entity that is airing commercial advertisements,” it would weaken the case for continued government funding of NPR and PBS.
Public Broadcasters Push Back
In response to the letter, NPR defended its sponsorship practices. Maher insisted that NPR’s underwriting messages follow federal guidelines.
“NPR programming and underwriting messaging complies with federal regulations, including the FCC guidelines on underwriting messages for noncommercial educational broadcasters, and Member stations are expected to be in compliance as well,” Maher stated in comments made available to Fox News Digital.
“We are confident any review of our programming and underwriting practices will confirm NPR’s adherence to these rules,” she continued. “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.”
PBS also defended its adherence to FCC regulations. “PBS is proud of the noncommercial educational programming we provide to all Americans through our member stations,” a spokesperson said. “We work diligently to comply with the FCC’s underwriting regulations and welcome the opportunity to demonstrate that to the Commission.”
The Funding Battle Intensifies
The FCC inquiry comes at a time when NPR and PBS face renewed political pressure over their public funding. Trump, who has long criticized the networks, suggested on Truth Social in April 2024 that their federal support should be eliminated. “NO MORE FUNDING FOR NPR, A TOTAL SCAM!” he posted. “THEY ARE A LIBERAL DISINFORMATION MACHINE. NOT ONE DOLLAR!!!”
Republican lawmakers have echoed Trump’s stance. In December 2024, Louisiana Senator John Kennedy and Pennsylvania Representative Scott Perry introduced the No Propaganda Act, aiming to strip public broadcasters of federal funding. “The American Taxpayer is footing the bill for a woke media corporation that pretends to be impartial while pushing Chinese propaganda,” Perry said upon introducing the bill. He argued that the Corporation for Public Broadcasting “cannot be allowed to keep using your hard-earned tax dollars to push a biased and political agenda that goes against what’s best for Americans.”
What’s Next?
As the FCC investigates NPR and PBS, the outcome could shape the future of public broadcasting. If Carr’s inquiry finds violations of FCC rules, it could fuel efforts in Congress to cut funding for the networks. At the same time, NPR and PBS remain firm in their stance that they are in full compliance with federal regulations.
Stay tuned to The Federalist Wire.
