FCC Probes Comcast Over Local Affiliate Practices

FCC Chair Brendan Carr has launched a formal inquiry into Comcast and its subsidiary NBCUniversal over concerns that their practices may undermine the independence and public service obligations of local broadcast affiliates. Carr's letter to Comcast CEO Brian Roberts cites reports of NBC and other major networks allegedly pressuring local stations into accepting onerous financial and operational terms, with threats to end long-standing affiliations. The FCC inquiry will specifically review Comcast's affiliate agreements to ensure compliance with federal regulations protecting localism and economic independence in broadcasting. Carr emphasized the need to prevent national programmers from eroding the ability of local media to serve communities and maintain public trust. Comcast has stated it will cooperate and highlighted its support for local stations. The investigation raises broader concerns about how media consolidation and network influence could reduce the diversity and local focus of American broadcast news.