Brendan Carr, President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee for Federal Communications Commission chair, intends to scrutinize content moderation practices and broadcast regulations if confirmed. “I think Americans have been seeing an unprecedented surge in censorship, particularly over the last couple of years,” Carr stated. “Any time you have an increase in government control, you necessarily have a decrease in free speech.”
In a December 2nd NewsNation interview, Carr identified technology platforms, government officials, and advertising agencies as entities restricting speech. He prioritized dismantling a “censorship cartel” upon confirmation. “Diversity of opinion is so important in this country, and it’s going to be one of my top priorities, trying to smash this censorship cartel,” he emphasized.
Carr acknowledged the complexities of defining disinformation and misinformation: “Trying to draw the lines between disinformation and misinformation is very fraught,” he said. “More often than not, people are slapping those labels on political speech they disagree with.” He plans to review Section 230 of the Communications Act, focusing on the immunity granted to online platforms for user-generated content and moderation decisions. “The problem is a second portion of [Section 230] which says that these social media companies can censor, not just consistent with the First Amendment,” Carr explained. “Courts have read immunities into that takedown provision that are found nowhere in the statutory text.”
Regarding traditional broadcasting, Carr highlighted broadcasters’ public interest obligations while acknowledging declining public trust. He referenced Jeff Bezos’s comments on traditional media challenges. Beyond social media, Carr supports broadcast deregulation, especially concerning ownership restrictions. He opposed the FCC’s handling of the Tegna-Standard General merger, arguing the lengthy review hindered competition with tech firms. He also advocates for accelerating the transition to the ATSC 3.0 (NextGen TV) standard, suggesting a market-based approach similar to 5G rollout.
The National Association of Broadcasters endorsed Carr’s nomination, praising his stance on tech accountability. However, Free Press Action co-CEO Craig Aaron voiced concern about potential impacts on the FCC’s public interest mandate. Carr’s nomination follows the tradition of appointing a commissioner from the incoming president’s party to the chairmanship.