Washington, D.C. — Federal Communications Commission Chair Brendan Carr has called on broadcasters across the United States to incorporate more patriotic content into their programming as the nation approaches its 250th anniversary in 2026. In a recent statement, Carr outlined the "Pledge America Campaign," an initiative aimed at encouraging voluntary participation from radio and television stations to highlight American history, civic education, and local stories of inspiration.
The campaign comes amid preparations for the semiquincentennial celebration of the Declaration of Independence, set for July 4, 2026. Carr, who was appointed by President Donald Trump, emphasized that broadcasters have a public interest obligation to serve their communities, and this effort aligns with that mandate. "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," Carr said in the announcement.
Under the Pledge America Campaign, stations are invited to commit to airing public service announcements, short segments, or special programs focused on themes like American history and civic pride. Specific ideas proposed by the FCC include starting the broadcast day with the Pledge of Allegiance or the "Star-Spangled Banner," dedicating daily slots to recounting key historical events, and featuring segments on significant sites such as national parks during news coverage.
Carr's remarks were made in the context of the Trump administration's broader "Task Force 250," a federal initiative that coordinates with state and local governments to commemorate the 250th anniversary. The task force, established earlier this year, seeks to organize nationwide events, educational programs, and public engagements leading up to the 2026 milestone. According to FCC officials, the involvement of broadcasters is seen as a way to amplify these efforts through media outreach.
Broadcasters responding to the call would indicate their commitment by adopting one or more of the suggested practices. For instance, local radio stations could air morning segments on pivotal moments from the Revolutionary War, while television networks might produce documentaries on lesser-known figures in American history. The FCC has stressed that participation is entirely voluntary, with no regulatory penalties for non-involvement.
This push for patriotic programming echoes historical precedents where the FCC has encouraged public service content during national milestones. During the bicentennial in 1976, for example, broadcasters aired extensive coverage of events marking 200 years since the nation's founding, including parades, fireworks displays, and educational specials. Organizers of Task Force 250 have cited that era as inspiration, aiming to replicate and expand on its success.
The announcement arrives at a time when the Trump administration has taken steps to reshape how American history is presented in public institutions. Earlier this year, executive actions were issued to review school curricula for what officials described as "radical indoctrination" and to adjust exhibits at the Smithsonian Institution to remove elements deemed "woke." According to administration spokespeople, these moves are intended to emphasize traditional narratives of American exceptionalism.
Carr, a longtime telecommunications attorney before joining the FCC in 2017, has been vocal about the role of media in fostering national unity. In his statement, he highlighted how broadcasters can use their platforms to educate audiences on the "inspiring" aspects of the country's past, from the signing of the Declaration of Independence to the expansion of civil rights. The Pledge America Campaign is positioned as a non-partisan effort, though its timing aligns closely with the administration's cultural priorities.
Industry representatives have offered mixed reactions to the proposal. The National Association of Broadcasters, a trade group representing thousands of stations, issued a statement welcoming the opportunity to engage communities but noted that members would decide independently on participation. "Broadcasters have long been partners in celebrating America's milestones, and we're open to creative ways to inform and inspire our audiences," said NAB spokesperson Dennis Wharton.
Critics, including media watchdogs, have raised questions about the potential for government influence over content. Free Press, a nonprofit advocacy group, argued that while voluntary, the campaign could pressure stations wary of FCC scrutiny on other regulatory matters, such as spectrum auctions or ownership rules. "The line between encouragement and coercion can blur when it comes from the top regulator," said Craig Aaron, president of Free Press, in an interview.
Despite these concerns, supporters point to the public service tradition embedded in the Communications Act of 1934, which requires broadcasters to operate in the "public interest, convenience, and necessity." FCC data shows that stations already devote significant airtime to community affairs, with an average of 3.5 hours per week on public service programming in recent years. The Pledge America Campaign could integrate seamlessly into existing formats, proponents say.
Looking ahead, Task Force 250 plans a series of regional events starting in 2025, including town halls, historical reenactments, and youth education programs. Broadcasters committing to the pledge might receive toolkits from the FCC, including graphics, scripts, and historical footage to facilitate content creation. The initiative also ties into international outreach, with invitations extended to foreign media to cover the 2026 celebrations.
As the nation gears up for this historic anniversary, the FCC's call underscores a renewed focus on media's role in shaping collective memory. With over 15,000 radio and television stations nationwide, even modest participation could reach millions of Americans daily. Whether stations embrace the Pledge America Campaign remains to be seen, but it represents a deliberate effort to weave patriotism into the fabric of everyday broadcasting.
In related developments, the administration has allocated $50 million in initial funding for Task Force 250 activities, with additional grants expected for cultural institutions and local governments. Historians involved in the planning emphasize the importance of inclusive storytelling, drawing from diverse perspectives in the nation's past. For broadcasters, the campaign offers a chance to fulfill their charter while connecting with audiences on a deeply resonant theme.
The 250th anniversary, exactly 250 years after the Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, promises to be a moment of reflection and celebration. From Philadelphia's Independence Hall to battlefields in Yorktown, Virginia, and beyond, events will span the country. Carr's vision for media involvement aims to ensure that this history is not just preserved but actively shared, starting potentially with a simple pledge each morning.