Around the Water Cooler

The Federal Communications Commission chairman, Brendan Carr, acknowledged to the Financial Times (paywall) that history may judge him harshly. (Or read on archive.ph here.)

A number of outlets picked up elements of the story, particularly his reply to a question about his legacy. Carr, 47, said that he imagines The New York Times has already written his obituary, “and there’s not a lot that I can do to improve upon it or make it worse at this point in time.”

In The Daily Beast’s summary (metered paywall), reporters highlighted the timing of the First Lady’s complaint about Jimmy Kimmel, to the FCC’s decision to call for early review of the eight station licenses that ABC/Disney holds.

The Irish Times took stock of public media across Europe, where populist/fascist forces remain on the rise and are aiming to shape the future of public television and radio.

The Good News Department

KRCL 90.9FM moved to downtown Salt Lake City a few years ago, and soon it will open its next phase: a 200-seat performance hall, outdoor plaza, three production studios, conference room, and an educational studio. Radio World has the story.

KZSM-LP 104.1 received a broadcast license from the FCC that allows it to move its transmitter from downtown San Marcos, Texas, to a site with higher elevation. The license follows a multi-year fundraising campaign and a partnership with the American Red Cross. The studio remains downtown where volunteers produce 40 hours of local programs each week. Learn more here.

Communications Act of 1934, Sect. 326.

Nothing in this Act shall be understood or construed to give the Commission the power of censorship over the radio communications or signals transmitted by any radio station, and no regulation or condition shall be promulgated or fixed by the Commission which shall interfere with the right of free speech by means of radio communication