Major Cell Phone Provider To Face FCC Probe

Federal Communications Commission (FCC) chair Brendan Carr announced a probe into Verizon regarding its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives.

“Verizon is awaiting FCC approval for its $9.6 billion purchase of Frontier,” the New York Post noted.

“I am concerned by Verizon’s continued focus on promoting DEI. I expect all regulated businesses to end invidious forms of discrimination,” Carr said Thursday.

I am concerned by Verizon’s continued focus on promoting DEI.

I expect all regulated businesses to end invidious forms of discrimination. pic.twitter.com/b2536EeOmk

— Brendan Carr (@BrendanCarrFCC) February 27, 2025

A closer look:

* Images from Brendan Carr X Post *

From the New York Post:

Verizon said in a statement, “we are aware of the chairman’s concerns. We look forward to engaging with the FCC staff on this issue. Verizon has always focused on having the best talent to deliver the best experiences to our customers.”

Carr said in his letter to Comcast earlier this month that the commission would take “fresh action to ensure that every entity the FCC regulates complies with the civil rights protections enshrined in the Communications Act… including by shutting down any programs that promote invidious forms of DEI.”

Shortly after taking office on Jan. 20, Trump — who designated Carr as chair — issued sweeping executive orders to dismantle diversity, equity and inclusion programs in the United States and pressured the private sector to join the initiative.

Carr is investigating numerous media companies.

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The FCC is reviewing whether a CBS News “60 Minutes” interview with then Vice President Kamala Harris violates “news distortion” rules.

FCC Chairman Brendan Carr warned Verizon in a Thursday letter that its efforts to encourage diversity, equity and inclusion inside the telecom company run afoul of Trump Administration policies https://t.co/xR3kaY2teq

— Businessweek (@BW) February 27, 2025

Verizon becomes latest company to face probe by FCC boss over DEI policies https://t.co/5aam1P1WlX pic.twitter.com/oJjZqEkuSj

— NY Post Business (@nypostbiz) February 28, 2025

Per Reuters:

Paramount is seeking FCC approval for an $8.4-billion merger with Skydance Media.

In January, Carr reinstated complaints about how Walt Disney’s (DIS.N), opens new tab ABC News moderated the pre-election TV debate between then-President Joe Biden and Trump and NBC letting Harris appear on “Saturday Night Live” before the election.

The FCC, an independent federal agency, issues eight-year licenses to individual broadcast stations, not networks.