FCC Commissioner Challenges Trust in Media
Brendan Kerr, a commissioner at the FCC, has expressed concerns about dwindling trust in traditional media and emphasized the necessity for changes in the industry. He articulated his thoughts during a segment on “Media Abaz” this past Sunday, stating, “Something has to change…”
Kerr pointed out that the FCC’s primary role is to oversee broadcast media, rather than cable, and highlighted the importance of reinstating stations that prioritize community benefits. “It’s really about how we encourage these stations to serve local needs,” he mentioned.
Call for Fair Journalism
The FCC Chairman, reflecting on these issues, has noted the need to return to “fair and reliable journalism.” He attributed much of the current media landscape’s challenges to the influence of national programming networks like ABC, CBS, and NBC. He expressed a desire to limit their power, ensuring local stations focus more on their communities.
Kerr’s comments follow the FCC’s approval of a significant merger between entertainment company Skydance and media giants Paramount and CBS. This deal was inked shortly after CBS revealed the forthcoming end of Stephen Colbert’s “Late Show,” alongside the completion of legal proceedings involving former President Trump.
Media Control and Changes
Kerr remarked that Skydance’s involvement in media raises questions about accountability and transparency. He highlighted the importance of balanced reporting and framed the current shift in media dynamics as a pivotal moment.
“There’s been a seismic shift beyond the legacy media landscape,” he said, touching on various reasons for this transformation, which he largely attributed to actions taken by Trump that altered perceptions of media gatekeeping. “They thought they had control over narratives until it was challenged.”
Kerr criticized the legacy media’s reliability, citing specific issues like the initial handling of Covid information and the Hunter Biden laptop story as factors eroding public trust. “These gatekeepers have contributed to this crisis,” he added.
