1A

How The FCC Regulates Media

Feb 5, 2025

In this discussion, Gigi Sohn, former FCC official and media advocate, and Thomas Hazlett, economics professor and author, shed light on the FCC's evolving role in regulating media. They explore recent actions against major networks over alleged political bias and the complexities of modern telecommunications. David Folkenflik from NPR highlights tensions surrounding media trust, while Daniel Sir weighs in on the implications of scrutinizing public media funding. The conversation uncovers the ongoing battle for fair treatment and transparency in an ever-changing media landscape.

36:07

Creator website

Episode guests

AI Summary

AI Chapters

Episode notes

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

The FCC, under Brendan Carr, is revisiting media bias complaints against major networks, highlighting regulatory changes in response to political narratives.

Public trust in media remains a critical concern, pushing the FCC to enforce accountability while balancing regulation and freedom of the press.

Deep dives

Regulatory Actions Under Brendan Carr

The FCC, under Chairman Brendan Carr, is actively addressing perceived media bias through regulatory complaints against major networks like ABC, CBS, and NBC. Days into his tenure, Carr reinstated complaints alleging that these networks exhibited bias against Trump during the 2024 election campaign. Additionally, he initiated investigations into NPR and PBS regarding their underwriting practices, aiming to ensure that these public broadcasters operate within the parameters established by the FCC. This wave of scrutiny reflects a significant shift in regulatory focus and raises questions about the role of the FCC in balancing media neutrality against political narratives.

Intro

2min

Navigating FCC Media Regulation

10min

Understanding Section 230: Regulation and Responsibilities of Online Platforms

2min

The Fairness Doctrine and Media Regulation

5min

Allegations of Media Bias during Election Coverage

3min

FCC Scrutiny and Broadcast Networks

13min

FCC Investigation into NPR and PBS Underwriting Practices

3min

The Trump Administration's FCC Chair, Brendan Carr, has already made some moves when it comes to media.

Only two days on the job, Carr reinstated complaints against ABC, CBS, and NBC for bias against Trump during the 2024 election.

Last Thursday, he ordered an investigation into NPR and PBS for allegedly running advertisements.

We discuss how the FCC regulates media and protects free speech.

Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Connect with us. Listen to 1A sponsor-free by signing up for 1A+ at plus.npr.org/the1a.

Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices

NPR Privacy Policy

Get the Snipd
podcast app

Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode

Save any
moment

Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways

Share
& Export

Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more