FCC Chair Brendan Carr Calls on Broadcasters to Celebrate America’s 250th Birthday with Patriotic Programming

In a move blending government influence with national celebration, Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chair Brendan Carr has issued a directive to broadcasters across the nation, urging them to embrace a wave of patriotic programming in honor of America’s upcoming 250th anniversary—the Semiquincentennial.

Known for his assertive regulatory stance and high-profile clashes with media figures, Carr is now channeling his energy into orchestrating what promises to be a summer of red, white, and blue-themed broadcasts. In a statement released Friday, Carr positioned himself as both a civic leader and party planner-in-chief, calling on networks to pledge their participation in what he’s dubbed the “Pledge America Campaign.”

“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,” Carr stated. “I am calling on broadcasters to pledge to provide programming that promotes civic education, national pride, and our shared history.”

The directive arrives as part of Carr’s broader role on the White House’s Salute to America 250 Task Force, where he has been tasked with ensuring the milestone is marked with the kind of fanfare befitting a quarter-millennium of American independence. His recommendations to broadcasters are both specific and sweeping, ranging from daily “Today in American History” segments to spotlighting the nation’s National Parks during regular news programming.

Carr’s vision extends beyond mere historical recounting. He’s advocating for a multimedia blitz that includes public service announcements, short-form segments, and full-length specials designed to “inspire local stories” and foster a renewed sense of American identity. For the early risers among us, he even suggested a return to the tradition of starting each broadcast day with the “Star Spangled Banner” or, at the very least, the Pledge of Allegiance.

But Carr’s ambitions don’t stop at visual media. In a nod to the auditory senses, he’s curated a playlist of American classics to soundtrack the celebrations. Think Gershwin, Copland, Ellington—and, for those ready to get truly “sturdy,” a heavy dose of John Philip Sousa. Carr made it clear that this isn’t the time for contemporary pop or international acts; this is a moment for American originals.

While Carr emphasized that participation in the Pledge America Campaign is “completely voluntary,” the underlying message is unmistakable. Broadcasters are being encouraged to align their content with a vision of America that is both celebratory and unapologetically patriotic. The campaign, Carr noted, is not just about entertainment—it’s about fulfilling a “public interest mandate” that underscores the role of media in shaping national consciousness.

This isn’t the first time Carr has used his position to influence media content. Earlier this year, he made headlines for his repeated attempts to enforce the “equal-time rule” against late-night hosts like Stephen Colbert, accusing networks of bias and threatening regulatory action. His efforts to pressure CBS into dropping an interview with a Democratic congressman further fueled debates about the FCC’s role in safeguarding—or stifling—free expression.

Yet, as America gears up for its 250th birthday bash, Carr seems intent on rebranding himself as a champion of civic pride. Whether this latest initiative will be remembered as a heartfelt tribute to the nation’s heritage or a calculated exercise in political theater remains to be seen. What is certain, however, is that Carr’s vision for the Semiquincentennial is as ambitious as it is polarizing.

If last year’s parade celebrating the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary—sponsored by Coinbase and featuring a dazzling display of military might—is any indication, America’s birthday this summer is poised to be an unforgettable spectacle. With Carr at the helm, broadcasters have been given their marching orders: dust off the flag, cue the Sousa, and get ready to salute.

Tags:
Brendan Carr, FCC, Salute to America 250, Semiquincentennial, patriotic programming, civic education, national pride, Pledge America Campaign, Stephen Colbert, equal-time rule, American history, John Philip Sousa, Gershwin, Copland, Ellington, White House Task Force, media regulation, July 4th, Star Spangled Banner, Pledge of Allegiance, National Parks, public interest mandate, Coinbase, U.S. Army anniversary, viral celebration, American originals, political theater, free expression, media influence, Independence Day, jingoism, broadcaster directive

Viral Sentences:
Carr’s not always playing the heel—he wants you to know he’s got a fun side too.
Who among us doesn’t want more civic education?
Would it be coherent? Maybe. Patriotic? Absolutely.
This semiquincentennial bash is only bumping bangers by American OGs.
Carr’s just that chill a dude.
Time will tell what amazing displays of jingoism await us this summer.
With Carr at the helm, broadcasters have been given their marching orders: dust off the flag, cue the Sousa, and get ready to salute.

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