FCC Chair Carr Launches “Pledge America Campaign” Urging Patriotic Programming
FCC Chairman Brendan Carr has launched a new initiative urging U.S. television and radio broadcasters to voluntarily air patriotic, pro-America programming tied to the nation’s 250th anniversary celebration. According to Reuters and The Verge, the move is framed as a way to support national pride, civic education, and awareness of American history as part of this year’s semiquincentennial.
Carr’s campaign, dubbed the “Pledge America Campaign,” suggests broadcasters could run public service announcements, short segments, or specials promoting civic education and inspirational local stories. He also recommended that stations might start their broadcast days with the Pledge of Allegiance or the Star-Spangled Banner, showcase music by iconic American composers, or highlight significant historical sites during regular news programming.
The FCC’s official press release explains the effort is meant to help broadcasters fulfill their longstanding public interest obligations while engaging audiences in a year-long celebration leading up to July 4, 2026. The initiative is linked to the Trump administration’s Salute to America 250 Task Force, which is coordinating nationwide participation in the semiquincentennial festivities.
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Not all commissioners are aligned. FCC Commissioner Anna Gomez posted on X that broadcasters should defend their First Amendment rights and resist government interference if they choose to take part.
Carr’s call comes amid heightened regulatory activity, including investigations into equal-time rule compliance and other recent clashes between the FCC and major networks over political coverage standards.
Participation in the campaign is voluntary, and major networks had not immediately commented on the proposal as of Friday afternoon.
What happens next: broadcasters will decide whether to join the campaign, and FCC officials may continue discussions with networks on both content and regulatory priorities.
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