WASHINGTON, D.C. — On July 4, 2026, the United States of America will mark 250 years of independence. In recognition, President Trump established the Salute to America 250 Task Force. As part of that effort, the Chairman of the FCC has moved forward with the creation of the “Pledge America Campaign.”
The goal? “I am calling on broadcasters to pledge to provide programming that promotes civic education, national pride, and our shared history,” Brendan Carr shared on Friday.
“This type of programming is more relevant than ever,” Carr continued, pointing to surveys show that civics education is in rapid decline. Classic educational programming such as Schoolhouse Rock! is now only found in online archives. Without noting The More You Know effort from NBC, Carr said, “Broadcasters are uniquely positioned to help address these concerning developments by providing programming that celebrates the remarkable story of American Independence while also tailoring it to the specific needs of their local communities, in furtherance of their public interest obligations.”
Under the Carr Commission, broadcast media’s public interest needs have gained renewed scrutiny, with the Republican leader advocating for a network affiliate’s ability to pre-empt programming it deems unsuitable for its local audience, using community standards gauges as guidance.
What is Carr suggesting broadcasters air? He offers several examples:
- Running PSAs, short segments, or full specials specifically promoting civic education, inspiring local stories, and American history.
- Including segments during regular news programming that highlight local sites that are significant to American and regional history, such as National Park Service sites.
- Starting each broadcast day with the “Star Spangled Banner” or Pledge of Allegiance.
- Airing music by America’s greatest composers, such as John Philip Sousa, Aaron Copland, Duke Ellington, or George Gershwin.
- Providing daily “Today in American History” announcements highlighting significant events that took place on that day in history.
- Partnering with community organizations and other groups that are already working hard to bring America’s stories of unity, perseverance, and triumph to light.
Broadcasters can voluntarily choose to indicate their commitment to the Pledge America Campaign and highlight their ongoing and relevant programming to their viewing and listening audiences, the FCC noted in a Friday announcement.
“I believe in the greatness of our country, and I look forward to broadcasters showcasing its inspiring history by taking the Pledge and fulfilling their public interest mandate to serve the needs and interests of their local communities as the America’s 250th birthday celebration marches on,” Carr said.
Democratic FCC Commissioner Anna M. Gómez thinks otherwise. On social media platform X, she wrote, “Nothing is more American than defending our constitutional rights against those who would erode our civil liberties. If broadcasters choose to participate in this FCC campaign, they can do so by defending their First Amendment rights and refusing government interference.”
