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FCC asks stations for "pro-America" programming, like daily Pledge of Allegiance

February 21, 2026
•Ars technica
FCC asks stations for "pro-America" programming, like daily Pledge of Allegiance

Here's something that caught my attention — the FCC is urging local TV stations to boost patriotic programming, especially around America’s 250th birthday. ((slower)) According to Jon Brodkin in TechCrunch, FCC Chairman Brendan Carr launched a 'Pledge America Campaign,' asking broadcasters to feature more pro-America content. Now, here's where it gets interesting — Carr suggests simple ways to do this: start each day with the Pledge of Allegiance or the national anthem, run segments about American history or local landmarks, and even feature music by classic American composers like Sousa or Gershwin. The idea is to inspire pride and civic awareness, all while celebrating America’s history. So, what does this actually mean for you? It’s a move to make patriotism more front and center in everyday media — kind of a modern civic booster shot. As Brodkin notes, this isn’t about politics; it’s about fostering a shared sense of national pride during a milestone year. And get this — it's happening at a time when many are craving unity, don’t you think?

Federal Communications Commission Chairman Brendan Carr today urged broadcasters to join a "Pledge America Campaign" that Carr established to support President Trump's "Salute to America 250" project.

Carr said in a press release that "I am inviting broadcasters to pledge to air programming in their local markets in support of this historic national, non-partisan celebration." The press release said Carr is asking broadcasters to "air patriotic, pro-America programming in support of America’s 250th birthday."

Carr gave what he called examples of content that broadcasters can run if they take the pledge. His examples include "starting each broadcast day with the 'Star Spangled Banner' or Pledge of Allegiance"; airing "PSAs, short segments, or full specials specifically promoting civic education, inspiring local stories, and American history"; running "segments during regular news programming that highlight local sites that are significant to American and regional history, such as National Park Service sites"; airing "music by America’s greatest composers, such as John Philip Sousa, Aaron Copland, Duke Ellington, and George Gershwin"; and providing daily “Today in American History” announcements highlighting significant events from US history.

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Federal Communications Commission Chairman Brendan Carr today urged broadcasters to join a "Pledge America Campaign" that Carr established to support President Trump's "Salute to America 250" project.

Carr said in a press release that "I am inviting broadcasters to pledge to air programming in their local markets in support of this historic national, non-partisan celebration." The press release said Carr is asking broadcasters to "air patriotic, pro-America programming in support of America’s 250th birthday."

Carr gave what he called examples of content that broadcasters can run if they take the pledge. His examples include "starting each broadcast day with the 'Star Spangled Banner' or Pledge of Allegiance"; airing "PSAs, short segments, or full specials specifically promoting civic education, inspiring local stories, and American history"; running "segments during regular news programming that highlight local sites that are significant to American and regional history, such as National Park Service sites"; airing "music by America’s greatest composers, such as John Philip Sousa, Aaron Copland, Duke Ellington, and George Gershwin"; and providing daily “Today in American History” announcements highlighting significant events from US history.

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