Trump FCC Appointment Is Already At WAR With Disney

President-elect Donald Trump’s administration signals a swift approach to media accountability as his FCC appointee challenges ABC News.

At a Glance

  • Trump’s FCC pick, Brendan Carr, sent a critical letter to Disney CEO Bob Iger regarding ABC News
  • Carr emphasized the importance of local news outlets over national media organizations
  • The letter referenced a recent $16 million settlement between ABC News and Trump
  • Carr aims to restore public trust in media through FCC initiatives
  • The move aligns with Trump’s ongoing critique of mainstream media

Trump Administration Targets National Media

As President-elect Donald Trump prepares to take office, his administration is already making waves in the media landscape – and Democrats aren’t happy. Brendan Carr, Trump’s appointee to lead the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), has taken an unprecedented step by sending a strongly worded letter to Disney CEO Bob Iger, focusing on ABC News and its alleged role in eroding public trust in national media.

Carr’s letter highlights a growing concern within the incoming administration about the credibility of national news outlets. The FCC commissioner didn’t mince words in his critique, stating, “Dear Mr. Iger, Americans no longer trust the national news media to report fully, accurately, and fairly.” This direct approach signals a potential shift in how the FCC may interact with major media corporations under Trump’s presidency.

ABC News Settlement Fuels Controversy

Central to Carr’s argument is a recent legal settlement between ABC News and Trump. The network agreed to pay $15 million to Trump’s future presidential foundation and museum, along with an additional $1 million in attorney fees, to settle a defamation case. This settlement stems from comments made by ABC’s George Stephanopoulos, who incorrectly stated that Trump was “found liable for rape” in the E. Jean Carroll case.

“ABC’s own conduct has certainly contributed to this erosion in public trust. For instance, ABC News recently agreed to pay $15 million to President Trump’s future presidential foundation and museum and an additional $1 million in attorney fees to settle a defamation case,” Brendan Carr said.

This incident, according to Carr, exemplifies the issues plaguing national media and contributes to the declining trust among the American public. The settlement’s significant financial implications underscore the gravity of the situation and the potential consequences of what the Trump administration views as irresponsible reporting.

Emphasis on Local News Trust

In contrast to his criticism of national media, Carr praised local news outlets for maintaining higher levels of public trust. He emphasized the critical role of retransmission consent revenues in supporting local broadcast TV stations and their news operations. This focus on local media aligns with a broader strategy to prioritize community-oriented news sources over national networks.

“The fact that a massive trust divide has emerged between local news outlets and national programmers like ABC only increases the importance of retransmission consent revenues remaining available for local broadcast TV stations to invest in their local news operations and content that serves their communities,” Brendan Carr said.

Carr’s approach represents a significant departure from traditional FCC practices. Historically, the commission has refrained from directly influencing programming decisions. However, this new stance suggests a more active role in shaping media content and accountability under the Trump administration.

Potential Implications for Media Landscape

The letter to Disney’s CEO is part of a broader pattern of conflict between Trump and the media. Throughout his campaign and presidency, Trump has frequently labeled unfavorable coverage as “fake news” and referred to the press as “the enemy of the people.” This confrontational approach has now found its way into potential FCC policy.

As the Trump administration takes shape, industry observers are closely watching how these early signals might translate into concrete policies. The potential for increased scrutiny of national media outlets, coupled with a push to bolster local news, could significantly reshape the American media landscape in the coming years.

While the full impact of these initiatives remains to be seen, it’s clear that the relationship between the government and the media is entering a new, potentially transformative phase under the incoming Trump administration. As the FCC prepares for new leadership, the media industry braces for what could be a period of significant change and heightened accountability.

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