FCC Commissioner Sends Stern Message to Disney CEO

FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr challenges Disney CEO Bob Iger over ABC News’ credibility, highlighting the growing trust in local media.

At a Glance

FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr sent a letter to Disney CEO Bob Iger criticizing ABC News.
Carr emphasized the erosion of public trust in national news outlets.
ABC News recently settled a defamation case with Trump for $15 million.
Local media is praised as more trustworthy than national networks.
Carr stresses the importance of retransmission consent revenues for local broadcasters.

Carr’s Bold Move: Challenging National Media Giants

As the Trump administration prepares to take the reins, Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Commissioner Brendan Carr is making waves with a direct challenge to media powerhouses. In a move that signals a potential shift in the FCC’s approach, Carr has penned a pointed letter to Disney CEO Bob Iger, taking aim at the credibility of ABC News and other national media outlets.

Carr’s letter comes in the wake of a significant legal settlement between ABC News and former President Donald Trump. The network agreed to pay $15 million to Trump’s future presidential foundation and museum, plus an additional $1 million in attorney fees, to settle a defamation case. This settlement stems from an incident where ABC’s George Stephanopoulos incorrectly stated that Trump was “found liable for rape” in the E. Jean Carroll case.

🚨🇺🇸 BREAKING | TRUMP'S FCC CHIEF BLASTS ABC: "AMERICANS NO LONGER TRUST MEDIA"

Trump's incoming FCC chair Brendan Carr slammed ABC in a letter to Disney's CEO:

"Americans no longer trust the national news media to report fully, accurately, and fairly."

He cited their $15M… pic.twitter.com/dnizRwwUU9

— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) December 23, 2024

Eroding Trust in National Media

The core of Carr’s message revolves around what he perceives as a significant decline in public trust in national news organizations. He doesn’t mince words in his assessment of the situation, directly addressing Iger with a stark reality check:

“Dear Mr. Iger, Americans no longer trust the national news media to report fully, accurately, and fairly”

This statement encapsulates the growing disconnect between major news networks and their audience, a trend that Carr argues has been exacerbated by incidents like the recent ABC News settlement. The commissioner’s critique extends beyond ABC, encompassing the broader landscape of national news media that he believes has lost touch with the American public.

Championing Local Media

In contrast to his criticism of national outlets, Carr offers high praise for local media. He argues that local news sources have maintained a higher level of public trust, positioning them as a vital counterbalance to the perceived shortcomings of national networks. This stance aligns with a growing sentiment among conservatives who often view local news as more reliable and less biased than their national counterparts.

Carr’s emphasis on retransmission consent revenues highlights a key policy area that could significantly impact the media landscape. By advocating for these revenues to remain available to local broadcasters, he’s underlining the importance of financial support for community-focused journalism.

Implications for the Future of Media Regulation

The commissioner’s letter signals a potentially significant shift in the FCC’s approach to media regulation under the Trump administration. Historically, the FCC has largely avoided direct involvement in programming decisions. However, Carr’s bold stance suggests a willingness to push the boundaries of the commission’s traditional role.

This positioning could have far-reaching consequences for the media industry, potentially leading to increased scrutiny of national networks and more support for local broadcasters. As the Trump administration takes shape, all eyes will be on the FCC to see how these early signals translate into concrete policy actions.