FCC Intensifies Scrutiny of DEI Policies, Extends Review of Major Mergers

Chairman Brendan Carr warns companies promoting 'invidious' DEI policies, as congressional oversight of the agency escalates.

FCC Chairman Brendan Carr has threatened to block mergers and acquisitions for companies with DEI policies deemed 'invidious,' citing public interest concerns.
The FCC is investigating Comcast, NBCUniversal, and Verizon over their DEI practices, alongside probes into NPR and PBS for alleged rule violations.
Carr reinstated 'news distortion' complaints against broadcasters including WPVI-TV, WCBS-TV, and WNBC-TV, with public input sought on specific cases.
High-profile mergers, such as the $8 billion Paramount-Skydance deal and Verizon's acquisition of Frontier Communications, are under extended FCC review.
The Senate’s Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations has demanded records from the FCC by March 26, amid criticism of political bias and potential First Amendment violations.