(WASHINGTON)—PEN America today warned of escalating threats to an independent press after Federal Communications Commission Chairman Brendan Carr announced an investigation into the practice of NPR and PBS stations airing sponsorships. The letter from Carr also questioned the use of taxpayer money benefiting the two organizations, saying “Congress is actively considering whether to stop requiring taxpayers to subsidize NPR and PBS programming.”
The letter, dated Wednesday, was sent to NPR President and CEO Katherine Maher and PBS President and CEO Paula A. Kerger. According to The New York Times, Maher and Kerger responded to Carr’s order by saying both organizations have long complied with federal regulations. The FCC action is an assault on the ability of millions of Americans to get access to essential information.
“If they weren’t ringing already, alarm bells should be going off loudly,” said Tim Richardson, program director for Journalism and Disinformation at PEN America. “By using its investigatory powers, the FCC Chair is clearly undertaking an effort to bully and intimidate independent journalism, which is a hallmark of authoritarian regimes where democracy is under siege. The Trump administration is clearly embracing such tactics and putting independent media at risk by undermining accountability of elected leaders and risking a less informed public. We call on the FCC to dispense with such politically motivated investigations.”
About PEN America
PEN America stands at the intersection of literature and human rights to protect free expression in the United States and worldwide. We champion the freedom to write, recognizing the power of the word to transform the world. Our mission is to unite writers and their allies to celebrate creative expression and defend the liberties that make it possible. Learn more at pen.org.
Contact: Suzanne Trimel, STrimel@PEN.org, (201) 247-5057