The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has launched an investigation targeting public broadcasting giants NPR and PBS over allegations of airing "prohibited commercial advertisements." This inquiry, announced by FCC Chair Brendan Carr on January 31, 2025, raises significant concerns about the integrity of noncommercial broadcasting.
According to letters obtained by The New York Times, Carr expressed worries about the potential violations of federal law by these networks. "I am concerned NPR and PBS broadcasts could be violating federal law by airing commercials," he stated, emphasizing the possibility of noncommercial outlets like NPR and PBS broadcasting underwriting announcements akin to commercial advertisements.
The FCC permits noncommercial radio and television stations to air on-air sponsorships from businesses, often referred to as underwriting. While these announcements differ from typical advertisements, they must adhere to stricter FCC rules. Carr highlighted the upcoming scrutiny, indicating he will inform Congress about the investigation, which could influence federal funding discussions concerning both NPR and PBS.
"To the extent these taxpayer dollars are being used to support a for-profit endeavor or an entity airing commercial advertisements, then it would undermine any case for continuing to fund NPR and PBS with taxpayer dollars," Carr wrote. His statements echo long-standing Republican criticisms, which accuse these public broadcasters of leaning left and misappropriating public funds.
NPR's CEO Katherine Maher responded to the investigation by asserting the organization’s compliance with federal regulations. "NPR programming and underwriting messaging complies with federal regulations, including FCC guidelines," she stated, emphasizing the organization's long-standing cooperation with the commission.
Likewise, PBS spokesperson expressed confidence, stating, "PBS is proud of the noncommercial educational programming we provide to all Americans. We work diligently to comply with the FCC’s underwriting regulations and welcome the opportunity to demonstrate our commitment to these rules."
Critics of the investigation have decried it as politically motivated and aimed at undermining the credibility of public media. Free Press Co-CEO Craig Aaron commented, "This bogus investigation is an attack on the freedom of the press. It's part of Carr’s far-right, Project 2025-inspired agenda," arguing it aims to intimidate journalists and suppress independent reporting.
Democratic FCC Commissioner Geoffrey Starks also voiced concerns, characterizing the investigation as "a threat to the free flow of information." Starks warned against any attempts to intimidate local media outlets, stating, "Public television and radio stations play a significant role in our media ecosystem." His stance reflects public sentiments, as NPR and PBS consistently rank among America’s most trusted brands.
The broader political backdrop points to increasing Republican calls to defund NPR and PBS, with Carr’s investigation potentially serving as leverage. Donald Trump has previously labeled NPR corrupt, stating on Truth Social, "NO MORE FUNDING FOR NPR, A TOTAL SCAM!" He has accused the networks of being vehicles for liberal propaganda.
Congressional momentum appears to be shifting, as legislators reconsider the necessity of public funding for these institutions, fueled by Trump's rhetoric and the investigation's findings. The long-standing hostility toward these entities underlines the contentious relationship between public media and certain political factions.
The FCC’s probing falls under Section 399B of the Communications Act, which prohibits commercial advertising on behalf of for-profit companies within public broadcasting. NPR maintains its sponsorship ventures are structured as corporate underwriting – offering on-air acknowledgments without overt calls to action. "What are considered corporate underwriting spots are supposed to stop shy of telling listeners to buy something," NPR clarified.
This investigation confirms the fraught relationship between public broadcasters and the Trump-era FCC, which seeks to align communication regulation with right-wing political agendas. Carr’s earlier controversial actions, including threatening the licenses of networks for covering certain topics unfavorably, amplify fears about the extent of control regulators may now wield over public discourse.
With legislative consequences looming and potential funding cuts on the horizon, the stakes for NPR and PBS could not be higher. Future outcomes hinge not only on legal assessments of underwriting practices but on the degree to which Congress will respond to the FCC's findings.
Public reliance on NPR and PBS for trustworthy reporting highlights the urgency behind the scrutiny. Citizens across the country depend on these networks for diverse opinions and educational programming. The viability of these institutions as we know them hangs precariously between political motivations and the pursuit of independent journalism.
Moving forward, both NPR and PBS remain resolute, urging their commitment to educational and informational roles within their communities. The potential fallout from this investigation will resonate deep within the framework of American public media and its relationship with government funding.