The FCC is asking media outlets to broadcast patriotic content to commemorate the nation’s 250th anniversary.
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Federal Communications Commission Chairman Brendan Carr is calling on broadcast media companies to air “patriotic, pro-American content” in a new campaign coinciding with President Donald Trump’s Freedom 250 initiative to celebrate National Day.
On February 19, Carr and the FCC announced the Pledge America campaign, which encourages stations to air programs that highlight “historic accomplishments from the founding of our nation to today’s Trump administration.”
Examples of programs that fit into this initiative include a PSA or short segment promoting civics education, a news segment focused on national parks, or starting each day with a broadcast of the Star-Spangled Banner or the Pledge of Allegiance, the FCC said.
“The White House is leading the national celebration of this historic event with the Salute America 250 Task Force, which calls on the federal government and others to commemorate this momentous occasion,” Secretary Carr said in a statement. “As part of this commitment, I am calling on broadcasters to commit to providing programming that promotes civic education, national pride, and our shared history.”
The FCC said participation in this campaign is voluntary.
Mr Kerr said the promotion of the program was in line with the broadcaster’s “obligation to the public interest”.
The new effort comes as Mr. Carr and the FCC face increased scrutiny from media watchdogs for appearing to threaten enforcement against media organizations that air programming critical of the Trump administration.
In late 2025, Kerr made comments that were interpreted by some as a threat to revoke ABC’s license unless Jimmy Kimmel was fired from the late-night shift due to Kimmel’s comments on his show about the assassination of Charlie Kirk.
Most recently, Kerr appeared to shrug off criticism related to CBS late-night host Stephen Colbert’s interview with the Democratic U.S. Senate candidate from Texas being canceled. This comes after the agency’s lawyers said it could face scrutiny under the FCC’s “equal time” rules.
“As our stations embrace this pledge and continue to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary, we look forward to showcasing America’s inspiring history by fulfilling our public service mission to serve the needs and interests of our communities,” Carr said in a Feb. 19 Pledge America announcement.
Carissa Waddick, who covers America’s 250th anniversary for USA TODAY, can be reached at kwaddick@usatoday.com.
