FCC Chair Branden Carr has launched an investigation into Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) efforts at Comcast and NBCUniversal, citing concerns that the programs may not comply with FCC regulations.
In a letter to Comcast CEO Brian Roberts, Carr argues that the Communications Act prohibits regulated entities from discriminating on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, or gender. He claims that some DEI initiatives are an “invidious” form of discrimination and requires the Enforcement Bureau to investigate these efforts.
Carr’s move comes after President Trump’s executive orders banned DEI efforts at federal agencies. The FCC has already ended its own promotion of DEI programs.
FCC Commissioner Geoffrey Starks disagrees with Carr, stating that the action is “outside our lane and out of our reach.” However, the investigation will aid the Commission’s broader efforts to root out invidious forms of DEI discrimination across all sectors regulated by the FCC.
Source: https://www.tvtechnology.com/news/fcc-chair-carr-opens-investigation-of-dei-efforts-at-comcast-nbcu