New FCC Commissioner Takes Aim At Disney CEO

FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr challenges ABC News’ integrity in a bold letter to Disney CEO Bob Iger, signaling a potential shift in media regulation under the Trump administration.

At a Glance

Brendan Carr, Trump’s FCC pick, sent a critical letter to Disney CEO Bob Iger regarding ABC News.
The letter highlights a recent $16 million settlement between ABC News and Trump in a defamation case.
Carr emphasizes the importance of local news and criticizes national media for eroding public trust.
The move signals potential changes in FCC’s approach to media regulation and accountability.

Carr’s Letter Puts ABC News in the Spotlight

In a surprising move, Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Commissioner Brendan Carr, appointed by President-elect Donald Trump, has sent a pointed letter to Disney CEO Bob Iger regarding ABC News. The letter criticizes the national news outlet for contributing to an “erosion in public trust” and highlights a recent defamation case settlement where ABC News paid $15 million plus $1 million in attorneys’ fees to Trump.

The case in question involved a remark by ABC’s George Stephanopoulos, who incorrectly stated that Trump had been “found liable for rape” in the E. Jean Carroll case. This misstatement led to the substantial settlement, which Carr uses as evidence of the network’s alleged contribution to declining public trust in national media.

🚨🇺🇸 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

Local News: A Beacon of Trust

In his letter, Carr draws a stark contrast between national news outlets and local broadcasters. He emphasizes the vital role of retransmission consent revenues for local broadcast TV stations in supporting local news operations. Carr argues that local news media are more trustworthy compared to national outlets like ABC, positioning himself as a supporter of community-focused journalism.

“The fact that a massive trust divide has emerged between local news outlets and national programmers like ABC only increases the importance of retransmission consent revenues remaining available for local broadcast TV stations to invest in their local news operations and content that serves their communities” – Brendan Carr

This stance aligns with the Trump administration’s ongoing conflict with mainstream media, often labeled as “fake news” and “the enemy of the people” by the President-elect. Carr’s letter suggests that the incoming FCC leadership may take a more active role in addressing perceived biases in national news coverage.

Potential Shift in FCC’s Regulatory Approach

Historically, the FCC has refrained from directly influencing programming content. However, Carr’s letter indicates a potential departure from this tradition. By criticizing ABC News and praising local media, Carr is positioning himself as an advocate for change in the media landscape.

This approach aligns with the Trump administration’s broader strategy of challenging mainstream media narratives. It also raises questions about the future direction of media regulation under the new FCC leadership. As the transition to the Trump administration progresses, industry observers will be closely watching for any concrete policy changes that may follow Carr’s strongly worded letter.

Implications for Media Landscape

Carr’s letter to Disney CEO Bob Iger is more than just a critique of ABC News; it signals a potential shift in how the FCC may approach media regulation and accountability. By emphasizing the importance of local news and criticizing national outlets, Carr is setting the stage for what could be a significant realignment in the media industry.

As the Trump administration prepares to take office, the media landscape may face new challenges and opportunities. The focus on local news could lead to increased support and resources for community-based journalism, while national networks may find themselves under greater scrutiny. This evolving dynamic between regulators, media companies, and the public will likely shape the future of news delivery and consumption in the United States.