A conservative organization has requested that the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) consider revoking broadcasting licenses from NPR and PBS stations, proposing that the spectrum be allocated to other entities. This appeal was made by the Center for American Rights (CAR), a nonprofit law firm notable for its involvement in FCC Chairman Brendan Carr's news-distortion investigations.
âIn light of the phase-out of funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) and the subsequent cessation of federal financial support for NPR and PBS, the Center respectfully proposes that the Commission initiate an inquiry into the future of âpublicâ broadcasting under these new circumstances,â stated a filing from the Center for American Rights.
The CPB is preparing to close after Congress sanctioned President Trumpâs request to rescind its financial backing. The Center for American Rights suggested this closure provides an opportunity to reassign the spectrum used by NPR and PBS stations to alternative entities.
âIf PBS and NPR cannot demonstrate viable long-term business models as national networksâand if their individual affiliates cannot present sustainable business models in respective marketsâthen this Commission may need to contemplate the availability of those channels (i.e., that spectrum) for other potential licensees or uses in the near future,â the group asserted.
The CAR filing questioned whether PBS and NPR stations are fulfilling their public-interest obligations as licensees, especially given that elected representatives have decided to terminate public funding due to perceived inadequacies in serving the public interest.
Funding for the CPB was eliminated by Republican-led congressional votes, which drew criticism from Democratic officials. âOnce again, Republicans have acquiesced to Donald Trump's demands, endorsing his harsh budget cuts and depriving children and communities of free, high-quality public programming,â remarked Sen. Ed Markey (D-Mass.) at the time.