The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is advocating a reorientation of media influence, proposing a transfer of dominance from national networks such as ABC, CBS, and NBC to local broadcasters. This initiative aims to bolster the role of local stations in serving the needs of their communities, as confidence in traditional media platforms is waning. Commissioner Brendan Carr has suggested that this restructuring is essential to address a credibility crisis within legacy media outlets.
Carr’s comments come against the backdrop of recent events, including the FCC’s approval of a merger between Paramount and Skydance, which was followed by the cancellation of Stephen Colbert’s ‘Late Show.’ This shift in media power is seen as part of a broader trend, with Carr attributing the transformation of the media landscape to the impact of former President Donald Trump. He believes that Trump’s approach challenged the traditional gatekeepers of media, sparking a change in how information is disseminated and consumed.
The approval of the Paramount-Skydance merger was a significant event, coming after CBS announced the upcoming demise of Stephen Colbert’s ‘Late Show’ and the ongoing legal issues involving President Trump and the network’s ’60 Minutes’ interview editing. These developments fueled allegations of political pressure behind the merger’s approval. The FCC’s decision to approve the merger has sparked considerable debate, with questions about the extent of the agency’s involvement in the process.
Skydance has denied any role in the cancellation of Colbert’s late-night show, asserting that it was informed after the decision had been made and that the company had fully adhered to anti-bribery laws. In a letter to Senate Democrats, Skydance General Counsel Stephanie Kyoko McKinnon addressed these concerns, stating that the company had not engaged in any improper conduct. Carr, however, framed the moment as part of a seismic change in how media power is structured, and who controls the narrative, as he lauded Skydance’s commitment to bring more balanced news.
Carr emphasized the broader implications of these changes, stating that they are part of a fundamental shift in the media landscape. He attributed this transformation to the influence of former President Trump, highlighting how Trump’s direct engagement with legacy media contributed to a decline in its credibility. He pointed to various incidents, such as the handling of the Hunter Biden laptop story and the Russiagate narrative, as examples of the media’s declining trust. Carr suggested that the current crisis of confidence in traditional media is prompting a reevaluation of business models that have relied on gatekeeping roles.
The FCC’s push to re-empower local broadcasters reflects a broader effort to address these challenges. Carr’s comments suggest a desire to see a more decentralized media environment, where local stations can play a more active role in informing and engaging their communities. This initiative could have significant implications for the broadcasting sector, potentially reshaping the landscape of media influence and content delivery in the United States.