The Powers That Be: Daily Who’s Afraid of Brendan Carr?
Sep 24, 2025
Eriq Gardner, a media and legal journalist, joins the discussion to dissect the FCC's real influence amid concerns over chairman Brendan Carr’s agenda. They explore the diminishing power of the FCC in the age of streaming and cable, and the stark differences in regulatory authority. Eriq reveals how Carr's push aligns with major consolidation efforts in media, particularly regarding the Nexstar-Tegna bid, and discusses the implications of the 39% ownership cap. State attorneys general's roles in blocking media mergers and possible court outcomes add further intrigue.
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FCC Power Shrank With Media Changes
- The FCC's power has sharply declined as media moved from scarce broadcast frequencies to cable, satellite, and streaming.
- Eriq Gardner argues the agency's content authority now applies narrowly to traditional broadcast and is nearly nonexistent for streaming.
Chairman Carr's Influence Is Largely Performative
- Brendan Carr's public attacks function more as bluster and media performance than hard regulatory action.
- Gardner says commentators give him power by treating his rhetoric as more effective than his actual legal authority.
Ownership Rule Changes Are Only Part Of The Story
- Carr seeks to loosen ownership limits like the 39% reach cap to boost local conservative broadcasters.
- Gardner warns the FCC change alone won't be the final arbiter because other regulators can intervene.