Trump's FCC chief opens investigation into NPR and PBS
"For my own part, I do not see a reason why Congress should continue sending taxpayer dollars to NPR and PBS given the changes in the media marketplace,"
FCC chairman Brendan Carr wrote.
He argued that any sign that taxpayer dollars are supporting a broadcaster running what are effectively commercials further undermines the case to send federal dollars to public broadcasters.
In a statement, FCC Commissioner Geoffrey Starks, a Democratic appointee, said Carr's announcement was a source of "serious concern."
"Public television and radio stations play a significant role in our media ecosystem," Starks said.
"Any attempt to intimidate these local media outlets is a threat to the free flow of information and the marketplace of ideas."
Carr's letter fits into Trump's calls for the end of public funding for NPR and for PBS and into the president's broader rhetorical onslaught against media outlets.
https://www.npr.org/2025/01/30/nx-s1-5281162/fcc-npr-pbs-investigation