Federal Communications Commission Chairman Brendan Kerr on Thursday launched an investigation into diversity practices on Verizon and raised the telecommunications company's ongoing efforts to purchase Frontier Communications.
Last month, Republican Kerr, designated by President Donald Trump, told NBC's News Pro-Comcast earlier this month that he was opening a similar survey on promotions in diversity, equity and inclusion programs. Verizon is awaiting FCC approval for Frontier's $9.6 billion purchase.
“To help resolve these issues, please contact the agent representative working on Verizon's pending transactions at the FCC,” Carr wrote. “They are the FCC representatives who are most familiar with Verizon's business because of their merger review activities.”
Carr criticized Verizon for its continued promotion of diversity, equity and inclusion programs.
In a statement, Verizon said: “We recognize the Chair's concerns and look forward to interacting with FCC staff on this issue. Verizon has always been focused on having the best talent to provide the best experience for our customers.”
In his letter to Comcast earlier this month, Kerr said the committee would take new action to ensure that all entities regulated by the FCC are compliant with civil rights protections encompassed by the Communications Act.
Shortly after taking office on January 20th, Trump appointed Kerr as chairman – issued a sweep order to dismantle the US diversity, equity and inclusion program, putting pressure on the private sector to join the initiative.
Carr researches many media companies.
The FCC is checking whether an interview with then-Vice President Kamala Harris on CBS News “60 Minutes” violates the “News Distortion” rules.
Paramount is seeking FCC approval for the $8.4 billion merger with SkyDance Media.
In January, Kerr recovered a complaint about how Walt Disney's ABC News will bring pre-election television debate between then-President Joe Biden, Trump and NBC to appear on Saturday Night Live before the election.
The FCC, an independent federal agency, issues an eight-year license to individual broadcasters rather than to networks.
