FCC Chair Calls on TV Networks Air 'Pro-America Content' for US 250th Birthday

Variety

by Todd Spangler

February 20, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Brendan Carr, the Trump-appointed FCC chairman, has called on U.S. TV broadcasters to air "pro-America content" as part of celebrating the nation’s 250th anniversary. This initiative, dubbed the Pledge America Campaign, encourages stations to showcase patriotic programming that highlights American history and fosters national pride. Examples include airing The Star-Spangled Banner or the Pledge of Allegiance at the start of broadcast days, running PSAs or specials on civic education, and featuring local historical sites during news segments. Carr’s announcement aligns with the White House’s Salute to America 250 Task Force, which aims to promote a renewed love for American history and values. The FCC chairman emphasized that broadcasters are uniquely positioned to address declining civics education by creating content that resonates with local communities while adhering to their public interest obligations. He also suggested tailoring programming to highlight significant historical events or figures relevant to each area. The move comes amid Carr’s broader efforts to push back against perceived liberal bias in national network programming and his focus on enforcing FCC rules, such as the equal-time rule for political candidates. This includes investigating shows like ABC’s "The View" over potential violations and threatening probes of stations airing "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" due to concerns about news distortion. For entertainment and media enthusiasts, Carr’s campaign underscores the evolving role of broadcasters in shaping public perception and fostering cultural narratives. By encouraging patriotic programming, he aims to inspire a sense of national unity and pride, while also addressing

Verticals

entertainmentfilm

Originally published on Variety on 2/20/2026