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FCC Proposal Sparks Propaganda Fears

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Friday, February 20th 2026 at 17:13 GMT by The New Republic
      Locales: District of Columbia, UNITED STATES

FCC Proposal Raises Fears of Propaganda Disguised as Local Programming

Washington D.C. - February 20, 2026 - A proposal by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to redefine what constitutes 'local programming' is sparking significant controversy, with critics warning it could open the door to state-sponsored propaganda and erode the standards for genuine public service broadcasting. The agency unveiled the proposed rule changes on Thursday, outlining plans to allow radio and television stations to count a broader range of content towards their public service obligations - including programs funded or produced by government entities and politically motivated organizations.

Currently, stations are required to demonstrate they are serving the public interest as a condition of their broadcasting licenses. This typically involves providing a certain amount of locally-focused content, such as news, weather, community events coverage, and public affairs programming. The FCC argues that these requirements have become burdensome, particularly for smaller stations struggling in a competitive media landscape. Their stated goal with the proposed changes is to support local content creators and bolster the viability of local broadcasting.

However, the scope of what the FCC now considers 'local' is raising red flags. The proposal would allow stations to claim credit for programs funded by cities, counties, or state governments, as well as content originating from political organizations and public interest groups - even if those groups have a clear partisan agenda. This broadened definition is what's fueling concerns about the potential for manipulation and the dissemination of biased information masquerading as objective local news.

"This is a deeply concerning move that could allow government entities or political organizations to effectively use local stations to broadcast their messages, without any meaningful oversight," explained Cory Willis, an attorney at the Free State Foundation, at a press conference earlier today. "The FCC is essentially lowering the bar for what qualifies as public service, creating a loophole that could be exploited to influence public opinion. It's a blatant attempt to bypass transparency and accountability."

The FCC, represented by spokesperson Jessica Rosenworff, defends the proposal, stating it "will encourage stations to create and air programming that serves the unique needs and interests of their communities." Rosenworff emphasized that the agency believes the changes will empower local broadcasters, particularly smaller stations, by giving them more flexibility in meeting their public service requirements. However, critics point out that this flexibility could easily become a vehicle for government messaging.

Imagine a scenario where a state government, eager to gain public support for a controversial policy - such as a new highway construction project or a shift in education funding - produces a slickly-produced video showcasing the purported benefits. Under the proposed rules, a local station could count the airing of this video as fulfilling its public service obligations, even if the video lacks balanced reporting or presents a biased perspective. This effectively allows the government to use public airwaves to push its agenda without facing the scrutiny of independent journalism.

The impact could be especially pronounced for smaller stations. These stations, often lacking the resources to create original, in-depth local content, may be more reliant on partnerships with local governments or organizations to fill their programming schedules. This dependence could create a financial incentive to accept content regardless of its objectivity. The potential for this content to be heavily influenced by the funding source is a major concern for media watchdogs.

Furthermore, the line between legitimate public service announcements and thinly veiled propaganda is becoming increasingly blurred. While informative PSAs are generally welcomed, the proposed rules would allow for the crediting of entire programs - potentially long-form documentaries or news-style reports - even if they are heavily biased. The issue isn't necessarily about preventing government entities from creating content, but rather about how that content is presented and whether stations are adequately vetting it for accuracy and fairness.

The proposal is currently open for public comment until May 6th. Several media advocacy groups, including the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press and Common Cause, have already announced plans to submit detailed critiques of the proposed rules. They are urging the FCC to reconsider its approach and prioritize the preservation of independent, objective local journalism. The coming weeks promise a heated debate over the future of local broadcasting and the crucial role it plays in a healthy democracy.