FCC launches investigation into Comcast and NBCUniversal regarding their treatment of local affiliates.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has initiated an inquiry into NBCUniversal and its parent company, Comcast, concerning the management of their local broadcast television affiliate stations. This announcement was made public in a letter from FCC Chair Brendan Carr, which was dated Tuesday and released on Wednesday.

Carr, appointed by former President Donald Trump, directed the FCC’s Media Bureau to investigate potential compliance issues with FCC regulations and the public interest standard. The inquiry seeks to ensure that local broadcast television stations maintain the economic and operational autonomy required to fulfill their obligations to serve the public interest.

In his correspondence, Carr emphasized the significance of the FCC’s role in promoting public interest and ensuring that the affiliations between Comcast and local stations adhere to federal regulations designed to uphold these obligations. The inquiry follows reports that major networks, including NBC, are allegedly demanding significant financial and operational concessions from local broadcasters during negotiations.

As part of this investigation, the FCC plans to review the affiliation agreements that Comcast and NBC hold with local broadcasters, which are critical for understanding the dynamics at play. Comcast acknowledged receipt of the inquiry and expressed its willingness to collaborate with the FCC to address any questions. The company highlighted its longstanding support for local broadcast stations, which it described as vital sources of news and information for communities, stating its commitment to maintaining robust partnerships with these platforms in an increasingly competitive media landscape.

Carr has been consistently vocal about concerns regarding the relationships national networks hold with local broadcasters, underscoring the potential for excessive control exerted through affiliation agreements. He has expressed a desire to prevent local broadcasters from facing challenges similar to those experienced by newspapers, advocating for empowered local media capable of effectively serving their communities.

This inquiry marks the second time in a year that the FCC has scrutinized Comcast’s practices. Earlier in the year, the commission launched an investigation into the company’s diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) practices, seeking to ensure compliance with standards aimed at preventing discrimination.

The inquiry into Comcast’s dealings with local broadcasters comes on the heels of the FCC’s recent approval of an billion merger between Skydance Media and CBS’s parent company, Paramount Global. This approval included commitments from Skydance to uphold fair and unbiased reporting through CBS while refraining from establishing DEI initiatives.

As the FCC continues to navigate the complexities of broadcasting regulations, the outcome of this inquiry could have significant implications for the operational landscape of local television stations and their relationships with major networks. The ongoing examination reflects a broader commitment to ensuring that the principles of public service and accountability remain at the forefront of the media industry.

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