FCC marks America’s 250th anniversary with name for extra patriotic content material : NPR

[ad_1] <img src="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3798x2730+0+0/resize/1100/quality/50/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F39%2F84%2F45c47b4a4c7ca18d33ca804b0673%2Fgettyimages-464495738.jpg" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3798x2730+0+0/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F39%2F84%2F45c47b4a4c7ca18d33ca804b0673%2Fgettyimages-464495738.jpg" class="img" alt="The seal of the Federal Communications Commission hangs between two American flags; the FCC is urging broadcasters to air more "patriotic" content in the run-up to the country's 250th celebrations this summer." fetchpriority="high"/> The seal of the Federal Communications Fee hangs between two American flags; the FCC is urging broadcasters to air extra "patriotic" content material within the run-up to the nation's 250th celebrations this summer season. Mark Wilson/Getty Pictures conceal caption

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Mark Wilson/Getty Pictures The Federal Communications Fee (FCC) is urging broadcasters to air extra "patriotic, pro-America" content material in honor of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

In a press release issued on Friday, FCC Chairman Brendan Carr described the "Pledge America Marketing campaign" as a means for broadcasters to align themselves with the Salute to America 250 Job Drive, the group created by President Trump to supervise the 250th anniversary celebrations on the federal stage.

Carr mentioned the nation's broadcasters ought to use their nationwide attain and skill to tell and entertain audiences by upping programming that "celebrates the American journey and conjures up its residents by highlighting the historic accomplishments of this nice nation from our founding by means of the Trump Administration at present."

Bemoaning the decline of civics schooling throughout the nation, Carr cited the song-filled, animated youngsters' ABC collection Schoolhouse Rock! as a traditional instance of the kind of programming he'd wish to see broadcasters do extra of. Created within the run-up to the nation's two hundredth anniversary, Schoolhouse Rock! aired from 1973 to 84. It was revived within the Nineties, in addition to, in a direct-to-video format, the 2000s. Archived episodes are nonetheless out there through streamers reminiscent of Disney+ and Amazon Prime Video.

Archival information analysis carried out by NPR suggests the FCC issued no such pledge for patriotic broadcasting within the run-up to the 1976 bicentennial. NPR has reached out to the FCC for affirmation.

Carr's strategies for at present's broadcasters additionally embrace beginning every day with the "Star Spangled Banner" or the Pledge of Allegiance; introducing segments that spotlight "native websites of significance" to nationwide and regional historical past reminiscent of Nationwide Park Service areas; and airing works by canonical U.S. composers reminiscent of John Philip Sousa, George Gershwin, Duke Ellington and Aaron Copland.

In response to the assertion, radio and TV organizations are beneath no obligation to take part within the FCC's initiative. "Broadcasters can voluntarily select to point their dedication to the Pledge America Marketing campaign," the company mentioned.

Varied TV and radio organizations have already been engaged on patriotic, history-focused tasks marking the 250th anniversary — effectively forward of the "Pledge America Marketing campaign" announcement.

One notable instance is Ken Burns' The American Revolution documentary collection for PBS, which premiered in November. One of many largest broadcast media teams, Nexstar Media, which operates greater than 200 owned or accomplice stations in 116 markets, introduced choices associated to the anniversary, together with "My American Story." A December press launch describes the manufacturing as "a year-long cross-platform marketing campaign celebrating the various voices and values that outline our nation because it approaches the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the founding of the Republic."

In the meantime, NPR's protection contains the collection America in Pursuit, which launched final month and may be heard on member stations across the nation. "250 years in the past, the Declaration of Independence boldly heralded the beginning of the USA of America — a brand new nation based on the democratic promise of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness," the net collection web page states. "NPR's collection America in Pursuit explores what that promise has meant and what it means at present."

In response to a request for touch upon the FCC's announcement, Sinclair Inc., a significant community TV group, mentioned it introduced in October the launch of "Superb America 250: From Neighborhood to Nation," which it billed as a multi-platform celebration of American historical past, tradition, innovation and neighborhood spirit. "We honor and have fun America's ongoing journey and sit up for persevering with to focus on tales that make our nice nation distinctive," mentioned Sinclair spokesperson Jessica Bellucci in an electronic mail to NPR.