The author is VP, global & government affairs at Digital Alert Systems Inc.
If you listen closely, you can hear the whir of change churning through the static of the airwaves. As I write this, eyes are on the Federal Communications Commission as it prepares for a leadership change when the new administration takes office.
With Brendan Carr likely to take over as chairman — he has been unanimously confirmed three times as an FCC commissioner — significant shifts in policy and regulation are on the horizon for broadcasters, telecom companies and beyond.
Known for his strong advocacy of deregulation, Carr’s confirmation as chairman is expected to redefine the FCC’s approach to broadcast radio, media ownership, emergency alerting and cybersecurity. As one of the leading voices in the push for greater flexibility in local broadcast regulations, Carr and his agenda could bring both opportunities and challenges for stakeholders across the industry. From efforts to revitalize AM radio to revisiting the rules around media ownership and broadcast content, his leadership will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact.
Impact on radio?
Carr’s leadership at the FCC, especially in the area of broadcast radio, is expected to result in a shift toward deregulation and modernization, benefiting AM and FM stations.
He has appeared sensitive to the competitiveness of local broadcasters, particularly as they face increasing competition from digital media (streaming services, podcasts and tech giants). Under Carr, the FCC is likely to prioritize easing ownership restrictions and ensuring that broadcast regulations align with the rapidly evolving media landscape.
For AM stations, which have struggled with declining audiences and revenue, Carr has indicated strong support for initiatives like the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act. Carr’s leadership could potentially lead to policies that ease market consolidation, which might allow companies to own more stations in local markets, potentially helping AM stations survive by sharing resources with other facilities.
In contrast, Carr’s impact on FM radio may be less transformative in terms of regulation. However, his focus on deregulation could open the door for FM stations to consolidate or explore new business models.
Carr’s policies could also have implications for the Emergency Alert System. One area where he could exert influence is in multilingual alerts, improving accessibility for non-English-speaking communities, though potentially with a different approach than that currently suggested by the FCC.
Carr has supported policies that enhance broadcast public service roles, and this would likely include making emergency alerts more inclusive. The FCC could still push forward with rules mandating multilingual alerting, addressing issues of inclusivity in critical public information, but perhaps with a greater emphasis on approaches that are technologically feasible and less burdensome for broadcasters.
He has been vocal in reminding spectrum holders of their public interest obligations, and that approach toward emergency alerting is likely to exist in tandem with his otherwise more deregulatory approaches.
Regarding cybersecurity, Carr’s approach might be more business-friendly compared to the current administration. The National Association of Broadcasters has raised concerns that the FCC’s proposed cybersecurity reporting requirements are too burdensome for broadcasters. With Carr at the helm, there could be a reevaluation of these proposals, potentially scaling back the requirements to ensure they don’t impose undue operational strain on broadcasters.
The FCC and Project 2025
There has been scrutiny and critique of the “Project 2025” document. While Carr has contributed a section on FCC regulation, it is unclear whether all his thoughts in that document will translate into an agenda at the commission.
Project 2025, which outlines a comprehensive plan for the U.S. government under the Trump administration, suggests a number of changes that could significantly impact the FCC and its regulation of broadcasting.
One of the most notable broadcast-related aspects is its emphasis on deregulating media ownership. It advocates for reducing the restrictions that currently limit consolidation within the media industry, particularly in the context of broadcast stations. This could make it easier for large companies to own more radio and television outlets across the country, potentially leading to a more concentrated media landscape. Such changes could potentially favor larger corporations over smaller, independent broadcasters, though one might expect balance in an FCC approach.
Project 2025 touches on the broader theme of reducing “partisan” regulation at the FCC. This aligns with the push for reducing perceived bias in media coverage, which could lead to a shift in how broadcast regulations are enforced. For instance, the FCC might take a more lenient approach toward content moderation and expand opportunities for broadcasters to air more diverse viewpoints, potentially shifting the regulatory climate for radio and television stations.
Additionally, Project 2025 calls for expanding the FCC’s role in securing national interests, particularly in safeguarding against foreign influence. While not specifically targeting broadcasting, this expansion could influence how foreign ownership of U.S. media outlets is managed, especially given the increasing concerns over Chinese influence in American communications.
If the proposals in Project 2025 are realized, the FCC’s approach to broadcasting could become more industry-friendly, with fewer regulations on ownership and content, while also ramping up scrutiny of foreign ties to media outlets. These shifts could reshape the future of both AM and FM radio stations — especially smaller, locally focused ones — and impact the broader media ecosystem.
Charting the future
Brendan Carr’s leadership promises to usher in a new era for the FCC, characterized by deregulation, modernization and a rethinking of longstanding policies.
His approach to broadcast radio, media ownership, cybersecurity and public interest services like EAS is likely to reshape the regulatory landscape, presenting both opportunities and challenges for stakeholders. While Carr’s push for deregulation could help local broadcasters and AM stations adapt to a rapidly evolving media environment, it also has raised concerns among some regarding the possible effect on consolidation and reduced diversity in ownership. As the FCC charts its course under his guidance, the direction it takes will have lasting implications for the media ecosystem and its role in serving the public interest. The specifics remain to be seen, but it is clear that Carr’s influence will be felt for years to come.
[Related: “Trump Presidency Will Bring Sweeping Change to FCC”]
