Until now, current chair of the Federal Communications Commission Brendan Carr has mostly been in the news for his role in weaponizing the FCC to serve the aims of this administration. In December, he testified to Congress that his office is, erm, actually “not formally an independent agency,” right before removing the word “independent” from the mission statement on the agency’s website. More recently, he continued his tradition of threatening late-night hosts by again harassing CBS about Colbert and desperately trying to make enforcement of the “equal-time rule” a cudgel worth fearing.
But Carr’s not always playing the heel. He wants you to know he’s got a fun side too and is showing that off by helping to plan what is sure to be this summer’s most legendary party. In a statement on Friday, he let his (proverbial) hair down and offered broadcasters strongly worded suggestions about what gifts the nation (and President) would most like to receive in commemoration of the “big 2-5-0.”
“As America’s 250th anniversary approaches, it is important to reflect on the ideals and events that have defined our past while keeping an eye towards our country’s bright future,” said Carr. “I am calling on broadcasters to pledge to provide programming that promotes civic education, national pride, and our shared history.” Who among us doesn’t want more civic education?
Demonstrating exactly why he’s a Tier 1 operator in President Trump’s Salute to America 250 Task Force, Carr went on to provide numerous suggestions for how networks could best hug the flag on this most momentous of occasions.
According to Carr, they could air “PSAs, short segments, or full specials specifically promoting civic education, inspiring local stories, and American history.” Ooh. Remember VH1’s Pop-Up Video? What about something like that for “daily ‘Today in American History’ announcements highlighting significant events that took place on that day in history? Or how about shoehorning in a highlight of one of our lovely National Parks “during regular news programming?” Would it be coherent? Maybe. Patriotic? Absolutely. And would it kill you guys to get back to starting each broadcast day with the ‘Star Spangled Banner?’” Heck, he’d even settle for the Pledge of Allegiance. Carr’s just that chill a dude.
But when Carr passes you the aux on July 4th, he doesn’t wanna hear none of that pinko Bad Bunny or Billie Eilish ish you usually play. This semiquincentennial bash is only bumping bangers by American OGs. I’m talking Gershwin, Copland, Ellington. And if you really wanna see Carr get sturdy with it, hit ‘im with the John Philip Sousa.
Carr closed out his statement by asking those networks down to patriotically clown on Independence Day to swear their fealty and commitment to the above requests by joining his Pledge America Campaign. Carr said he looks forward to broadcasters “taking the Pledge and fulfilling their public interest mandate” before noting that this is all completely voluntary, of course.
Time will tell what amazing displays of jingoism await us this summer. But it America’s birthday is anything like that lit parade they had last year to the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary—brought to you by Coinbase—we’re all in for an unforgettable experience.
Justin Caffier
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