Trump picks new FCC boss: What this means for internet rules and tech giants
Former president chooses Brendan Carr to lead Federal Communications Commission. His pick signals big changes for tech companies control and internet regulations in the next term
In a move that shakes-up telecommunications leadership Donald Trump picked Brendan Carr (45-year old top Republican commissioner) as new FCC chairman on nov 17th
The soon-to-be chairman has shown strong views against current policies: he didnt support the $900M funding for Elon Musks Starlink and opposed the Commerce Departments $42B broadband program. Last week Carr sent letters to tech giants pointing at free-speech issues; which caused quick push-back from Senator Ed Markey who thinks its government over-reach
A regulator implicitly threatening private companies for their speech. The FCC under Trump is prepared to become the Federal Censorship Commission
Carr takes firm stand on media ownership rules - he wants less strict control over how many radio-tv stations one company can own in single market. His track-record shows clear anti-China position (he was first-ever FCC member visiting Taiwan about 2 years ago)
The next administration needs one more Republican for the five-member commission before taking full control. Carr worked as FCC general counsel before Trump first picked him in early-2017‚ and now opposes the return of net-neutrality rules that got cancelled during previous Trump term
The National Association of Broadcasters supports this pick and notes these key goals:
- Hold big tech companies responsible
- Help local stations compete better
- Change current broadcast rules
- Support free-speech rights
