The Powers That Be: Daily Carr Crash at the F.C.C.
Apr 4, 2026
Gary Knell, media executive who led NPR, Sesame Workshop, and National Geographic programming, reflects on mission-driven public media. He discusses fighting irrelevance in an age of endless content. He warns of a Wild West for children’s media and calls for a new Sesame Street moment. He also explores threats to local news, trust, and democracy from aggressive FCC actions.
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FCC Actions Threaten Press Freedom
- Brendan Carr's FCC actions pose a direct threat to the First Amendment and can chill journalism by weaponizing broadcast license enforcement.
- Jessica Rosenworcel overturned petitions against networks at end of her tenure to prevent the FCC becoming a speech police and censor in chief.
Speak Up Against Agency Overreach
- Pushback and public attention can blunt harmful agency precedents and preserve democratic norms.
- Jessica Rosenworcel cites optimism because visible resistance increases the chances history will judge overreach harshly.
Purpose Keeps Trusted Media Relevant
- Mission-driven media organizations still hold value despite politicization and attacks.
- Gary Knell notes Sesame Workshop, NPR, and National Geographic endure because they focus on education and public service.