FCC Chairman Probes YouTube TV Over Allegations of Discrimination Against Faith-Based Programming

FCC Chairman Probes YouTube TV Over Allegations of Discrimination Against Faith-Based Programming

FCC Chairman Brendan Carr has reached out to Google regarding allegations of faith-based discrimination involving YouTube TV. This inquiry follows several unsuccessful attempts by Great American Media to secure the inclusion of its network, Great American Family, on the platform.

In his letter addressed to Google’s parent company Alphabet, as well as CEO Sundar Pichai and Google CEO Neal Mohan, Carr seeks to clarify the situation surrounding these claims.

Independent programmers often express concerns to the FCC when a Multichannel Video Programming Distributor, such as YouTube TV, declines to carry their channels. Carr noted this issue in his correspondence, stating, “Independent programmers frequently file complaints with the FCC when an MVPD—or multichannel video programming distributor—refuses to carry their channel. However, allegations have surfaced suggesting that YouTube TV may harbor a policy—whether explicit or implicit—that discriminates against faith-based programming.”

Concerns Raised by Great American Media

The letter from Great American Media highlighted claims that YouTube TV is actively marginalizing faith-based and family-oriented content. Carr emphasized the network’s rapid growth in the cable television landscape, further explaining the disparity between platform offerings.

“Great American Family, which is reported to be the second fastest-growing channel in cable television, is available on various cable and streaming platforms such as Comcast, Cox, Hulu, FuboTV, and DirecTV Stream. However, YouTube TV has chosen not to include them in its lineup,” he added.

The FCC’s Interest in Policy Transparency

In light of an increasing trend of censorship by tech companies, Carr’s letter serves as an effort to gather information on YouTube TV’s policies towards religious programming. He expressed urgency by setting a deadline for a briefing on March 11, indicating a desire for transparency in the platform’s operational guidelines.

A spokesperson for YouTube TV responded promptly to Carr’s inquiry, stating, “We welcome the opportunity to brief the FCC on YouTube TV’s subscription service and the strategic business decisions we make based on factors like user demand, operational cost, and financial terms. We want to reiterate that we do not have any policies that prohibit religious content.”

Support for Fair Treatment

Doug Deason, Chairman of Great American Media, expressed appreciation for Carr’s initiative, stating, “We are grateful for Commissioner Carr’s commitment to ensuring that all voices—including those that reflect faith values—receive fair treatment on major streaming platforms.” This sentiment underlines the importance of diversity in programming access across platforms.

CC Chairman’s Broader Agenda

This inquiry regarding YouTube TV falls within a larger framework of initiatives spearheaded by Carr since the beginning of the Trump administration. Most notably, he has pursued extensive investigations into various media practices, aiming to uphold accountability in news dissemination.

Carr is currently investigating CBS News by releasing unedited transcripts and footage from a