FCC asks stations for "pro-America" programming, like daily Pledge of Allegiance
Ars Technica
by
Jon Brodkin
February 20, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Brendan Carr has called on US broadcasters to join a "Pledge America Campaign" aimed at supporting President Trump's "Salute to America 250" initiative, a yearlong celebration of the country’s 250th anniversary. In a press release, Carr urged broadcasters to air patriotic programming that aligns with the administration’s vision for the event. This includes daily recitations of the Pledge of Allegiance, airing PSAs and historical segments, and highlighting local sites of American significance.
Carr provided several examples of content that broadcasters could incorporate, such as starting each broadcast day with the *Star Spangled Banner* or patriotic music by composers like John Philip Sousa and Duke Ellington. He also suggested airing "Today in American History" announcements to educate viewers about key events in US history. These efforts are designed to promote civic education and inspire a sense of national pride, aligning with the broader goals of Trump’s America 250 celebration.
This initiative reflects the administration’s emphasis on patriotic messaging and leveraging media to influence public sentiment. While Carr framed the campaign as non-partisan, critics argue it could be seen as an attempt to politicize media content. For tech and science readers, this highlights the ongoing intersection of media regulation, politics, and cultural programming—a topic that often impacts digital platforms and streaming services as well.
The FCC’s push for patriotic programming underscores the role of technology in shaping public discourse. Broadcasters leveraging digital tools to distribute content could amplify these efforts, potentially reaching wider audiences online. For tech enthusiasts, this initiative also raises questions about media’s role in shaping cultural narratives and its implications for free speech and diversity in programming.
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Originally published on Ars Technica on 2/20/2026