Carr: Reminds Broadcasters of Public Interest Obligations

FCC Chair Brendan Carr emphasized the critical role of local broadcasters in delivering local news and information during a fireside chat with Consumer Technology Association CEO Gary Shapiro at CES 2026 in Las Vegas.

Carr strongly supported the ongoing transition to NextGen TV (ATSC 3.0), highlighting its potential for improved television quality and innovative data-casting services. However, he declined to commit to FCC mandates requiring consumer devices to receive 3.0 signals.

He reaffirmed his push to reinvigorate public interest obligations for broadcasters, arguing that those who hold valuable spectrum licenses must serve the public in return for benefits like must-carry and retransmission rights.

Carr addressed criticism of these standards — which some view as infringing on free speech — by offering blunt alternatives: Broadcasters unhappy with the obligations can surrender their licenses and shift to cable, podcasts, YouTube, or other platforms. Alternatively, the spectrum could be re-auctioned without public interest requirements, giving others a fair chance to use it.

Local broadcasters remain essential for local journalism, Carr stressed, as newspapers close and social media fills some gaps but lacks the institutional depth of traditional stations. With ad revenue declining amid fierce competition from streaming and cable, he said the FCC is exploring ways to rebalance power between national networks (such as Disney-owned ABC) and local affiliates. He criticized the current dynamic, saying national programmers too often treat local stations as mere outlets for their content rather than true community servants.

During the discussion, Shapiro repeatedly praised Carr and President Donald Trump — calling Trump's AI speech the best by any leader on technology — while Carr playfully noted Shapiro's likely differing view on Trump's tariff policies, which the CTA opposes. Shapiro cited data showing most viewers now favor streaming and cable over broadcast but did not address free speech concerns raised by critics of the public interest push. He also inquired about potential FCC plans to identify and auction underused spectrum.

Carr described broadcasting as a unique, government-licensed medium where public interest rules are inherent, and he spends significant time considering the future of local broadcasting over the next 5–15 years.