The Federal Communications Commission is asking broadcasters to celebrate the Semiquincentennial of the United States, in what it calling a “Pledge America” campaign.
FCC chairman Brendan Carr announced the voluntary effort Friday, asking broadcasters to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary “by airing patriotic, pro-America content that celebrates the American journey and inspires its citizens by highlighting the historic accomplishments of this great nation from our founding through the Trump Administration today.”
Among the suggested ideas are PSAs, segments or specials promoting civic education of American history; Segments during news programming featuring local historic sites important to America; Beginning the broadcast day with the “Star Spangled Banner” or Pledge of Allegiance; Providing daily American history segments; Partnering with community organizations and using music from great American composers in segments and programming.
Carr cited Schoolhouse Rock!, the classic civics cartoon series that launched on ABC, as a good example, noting that it and similar programming is now only available online.
“Broadcasters are uniquely positioned to help address these concerning developments by providing programming that celebrates the remarkable story of American Independence while also tailoring it to the specific needs of their local communities, in furtherance of their public interest obligations,” Carr said. “I believe in the greatness of our country. And I look forward to broadcasters showcasing its inspiring history by taking the Pledge and fulfilling their public interest mandate to serve the needs and interests of their local communities as the America’s 250th birthday celebration marches on.”
The Pledge America effort comes at the tail end of a week in which the FCC was at the center of the media news cycle. On Monday, CBS Late Show host Stephen Colbert called out his network after it raised concerns about an interview he was going to conduct with Texas Senate hopeful James Talarico, citing the FCC’s changed guidance on equal time rules for political candidates. The show ultimately posted the video to YouTube, where it garnered tens of millions of views.
Carr said at an FCC meeting this week that talk shows are not bona fide news programs, and are thus not expected to be exempt from the rules. He also confirmed that the FCC opened an investigation into ABC’s The View over its own Talarico interview.
