As part of the Trump administration’s effort to celebrate and honor America’s semiquincentennial, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has announced a “Pledge America Campaign” to encourage broadcasters to air more patriotic programs throughout the year.
The FCC explained in an announcement that the campaign promotes participation in the “celebration of America’s 250th birthday by airing patriotic, pro-America content that celebrates the American journey and inspires its citizens by highlighting the historic accomplishments of this great nation from our founding through the Trump administration today.” The campaign is voluntary.
FCC Chairman Brendan Carr encouraged broadcasters to “pledge to provide programming that promotes civic education, national pride, and our shared history.” He emphasized the importance that broadcasters play in educating Americans about their history and in shaping national culture.
“This type of programming is more relevant than ever, as surveys show that civics education is in rapid decline,” Carr said. “Classic programming such as Schoolhouse Rock! is now only found in online archives. Broadcasters are uniquely positioned to help address these concerning developments by providing programming that celebrates the remarkable story of American Independence while also tailoring it to the specific needs of their local communities, in furtherance of their public interest obligations.”
He then provided a list of examples of content that broadcasters could air to promote patriotism and civics education, including:
- Running PSAs, short segments, or full specials specifically promoting civic education, inspiring local stories, and American history.
- Including segments during regular news programming that highlight local sites that are significant to American and regional history, such as National Park Service sites.
- Starting each broadcast day with the “Star Spangled Banner” or Pledge of Allegiance.
- Airing music by America’s greatest composers, such as John Philip Sousa, Aaron Copland, Duke Ellington, or George Gershwin.
- Providing daily “Today in American History” announcements highlighting significant events that took place on that day in history.
- Partnering with community organizations and other groups that are already working hard to bring America’s stories of unity, perseverance, and triumph to light.
Carr also explained that this campaign is a great opportunity for broadcasters to fulfill their “public interest mandate” to educate their local communities.
“I believe in the greatness of our country,” he said. “And 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 as America’s 250th birthday celebration marches on.”
A number of major broadcasters have already announced plans for their own America 250-related programming. The Sinclair Broadcast Group, which owns or operates 193 media stations throughout the country, launched its “Amazing America 250” series last October. E.W. Scripps, which owns more than 60 local TV stations in more than 40 markets, has also detailed plans for an eight-week initiative leading up to July 4 to “produce compelling stories from their communities, told by local reporters who live and work there.”
AMAC Newsline, for its part, will continue to provide coverage of America 250-related news and events leading up to and through the semiquincentennial celebration on July 4.
