FCC Chief in Hot Seat: Senate Grilling on Media and Mergers

The Senate Commerce Committee is set to question the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) chair, Brendan Carr, on Wednesday. The hearing focuses on his recent actions and statements regarding media and broadcasting. Carr has been under fire for pushing broadcasters to pull ABC's late-night show hosted by Jimmy Kimmel. This happened after Kimmel made controversial comments about a conservative figure. The FCC chair warned that stations airing Kimmel's show could face penalties. President Donald Trump has also been involved, criticizing broadcasters and pressuring Carr to act. Trump even suggested revoking the licenses of Disney-owned ABC stations after an ABC correspondent questioned Saudi Arabia's crown prince about a journalist's murder.Following Trump's comments, Carr announced a review of agreements between national networks and local stations. Carr's written testimony for the hearing mentions empowering local broadcasters but does not address the Kimmel incident. FCC commissioner Anna Gomez criticized Carr's actions in her written testimony. She accused him of intimidating government critics and pressuring media companies, which she says undermines the FCC's independence. The hearing will also cover the FCC's approval of the merger between Paramount Global and Skydance Media. The merger was approved after Skydance agreed to ensure unbiased programming and hire an ombudsman. Carr reinstated complaints about a CBS interview with Vice President Kamala Harris and ABC's moderation of a presidential debate. He also addressed NBC's decision to let Harris appear on "Saturday Night Live" before the election.