February 20, 2026
Stars, Stripes, and Side‑Eye
FCC asks stations for "pro-America" programming, like daily Pledge of Allegiance
“Voluntary” pledge or pressure play? Commenters call it propaganda-lite
TLDR: FCC chair Brendan Carr urged broadcasters to air daily patriotic content for America’s 250th, calling it “voluntary” while tying it to public-interest duties. Commenters blasted it as propaganda pressure, trading King George jokes and free‑speech jabs—raising big questions about government influence over what’s on the air.
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) chairman, Brendan Carr, wants TV and radio stations to join a “Pledge America Campaign” and air daily patriotic content—from the Star‑Spangled Banner to “Today in American History” blurbs—in sync with President Trump’s yearlong “America 250” celebration. It’s billed as voluntary, but Carr also hinted stations could meet their public‑interest duty by taking part, which set the comment section on fire. One user cracked that the revolution came—only now “they’re King George.” Another deadpanned a schedule featuring five straight minutes of people praising Trump. Subtle? Not today.
The drama centers on whether this is wholesome civic pride or government‑flavored pressure. Critics called it “mandatory state ideology,” arguing that when the agency that grants licenses smiles at a “voluntary” pledge, it’s not really a choice. A link‑dropper posted the FCC press release itself for receipts: docs.fcc.gov. Others mocked the free speech double standard, quipping that Europe gets slammed for censorship while US broadcasters are nudged into flag‑waving PSAs (public service announcements). Even the music list—Sousa to Gershwin—became a meme. Supporters were quiet; the snark was loud. Bottom line: community vibe = side‑eye at patriotism by decree, with jokes sharp enough to cut a parade ribbon.
Key Points
- •FCC Chairman Brendan Carr launched a voluntary “Pledge America Campaign” urging broadcasters to air patriotic, pro-America programming.
- •Suggested content includes daily national anthem or Pledge of Allegiance, civic education PSAs, features on historic sites, composer music, and “Today in American History” segments.
- •The campaign aligns with the White House’s “Salute to America 250” initiative tied to the US 250th anniversary.
- •A recent presidential proclamation declared a yearlong 2026 commemoration, while an earlier White House statement referenced festivities from Memorial Day 2025 to July 4, 2026.
- •Carr says taking the pledge can satisfy broadcasters’ public interest obligations, noted against his history of threatening penalties for public interest violations.