Carr Probes Comcast Relations With NBC Stations

FCC Chairman Brendan Carr launched an inquiry into Comcast’s relationships with its NBCUniversal local broadcast affiliates, focusing on whether these arrangements undermine the affiliates’ independence and public interest obligations. 

Brian Roberts

In a letter to Comcast CEO Brian Roberts, Carr cited concerns that national networks like NBC are exerting excessive control over local stations, eroding public trust in news coverage. He referenced a Gallup poll showing low trust in mass media and argued that viewers are increasingly turning to new media due to perceived bias in national news. The FCC’s Media Bureau was directed to examine Comcast’s affiliate agreements for compliance with federal regulations, which require local stations to maintain economic and operational independence to serve their communities.

This probe follows Carr’s earlier actions, including investigations into Comcast and Disney’s diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies in February and March 2025, respectively, and complaints about news distortion at CBS, ABC, and NBC. 

The inquiry was prompted by reports that NBC and similar networks are seeking “onerous financial and operational concessions” from local affiliates, potentially limiting their ability to cover local issues. Comcast, which owns NBCUniversal, stated it would cooperate with the FCC, emphasizing its long-standing support for local stations with sports and entertainment content to drive viewership in a competitive media landscape.