For decades, public radio and television stations have been able to accept an “underwriting endorsement” from individuals and corporations. The fundamental difference between underwriting and commercials is that underwriting endorsements cannot have a “call to action.” In other words, underwriting messages cannot include words such as “Come on down and buy the product.”
The incoming FCC Chairman, Brendan Carr, has sent a letter questioning the underwriting messages that appear on public broadcasting stations.
“I am concerned that NPR and PBS broadcasts could be violating federal law by airing commercials. In particular, it is possible that NPR and PBS member stations are broadcasting underwriting announcements that cross the line into prohibited commercial advertisements.
It is important to me, as Chairman of the FCC, that NCE broadcast stations stay true to their important missions and refrain from operating as non-commercial in name only. That is why, as noted above, I have asked the FCC's Enforcement Bureau, with assistance from the FCC's Media Bureau, to initiate an investigation into the underwriting announcements and related policies of NPR, PBS, and their broadcast member stations.”
This could have significant ramifications for New York’s public broadcasters. This investigation will parallel efforts to cut funding for public broadcasting in the federal budget.
Public broadcasting is an important part of the media landscape in New York. It has faced these types of challenges before. We hope it will continue serving the citizens of New York.
You can see the letter from FCC Chairman Brendan Carr here.