FCC's Carr: Trump Seeking To 'Rebalance' Media

The Trump administration is seeking to “rebalance” the media landscape by urging television broadcasters to better represent their local communities and feature more patriotic content, according to Brendan Carr, head of the FC in appearance on the podcast “Pod Force One.”

Carr pointed to last year’s controversy involving Jimmy Kimmel and conservative activist Charlie Kirk as an example of why such changes are needed and how they might unfold.

He argued that major broadcast networks have accumulated significant influence and often use local stations to distribute content produced in media hubs like New York and Hollywood, rather than reflecting local perspectives. Carr said one of the FCC’s guiding priorities is to shift that balance by giving local stations more autonomy.

According to Carr, stations should feel empowered to reject programming they believe does not align with their communities. He cited the Kimmel controversy as a case where some local affiliates chose not to air certain content following Kirk’s death, demonstrating the kind of editorial independence he wants to see more frequently.

Disney, which owns ABC, suspended Kimmel for five days after he incorrectly implied that Kirk had been killed by supporters of Donald Trump, despite reports suggesting the suspect held left-leaning views. The suspension followed pressure from Carr, who indicated that ABC stations could face consequences if no action was taken. On the same day, Nexstar Media Group and Sinclair Broadcast Group—owners of many ABC affiliates—announced they would not air Kimmel’s show.

Carr described that moment as a rare and positive example of local broadcasters pushing back against national programming decisions, saying he hopes to see more of it.

He also highlighted the FCC’s “Pledge America Campaign,” which promotes “pro-America” programming—such as airing the Pledge of Allegiance—in recognition of the nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary. Carr emphasized that patriotic content resonates strongly with audiences and performs well, adding that the FCC aims to encourage more of it across broadcast networks.