- FCC opens investigation into Comcast’s DEI programmes
- Comcast confirms it will cooperate with the inquiry
What happened: FCC launches investigation into Comcast
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has launched an investigation into Comcast, focusing on the company’s diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programmes. This follows orders from former President Donald Trump to dismantle DEI policies. FCC Chair Brendan Carr announced the probe on February 12, 2025, citing substantial evidence that Comcast continues to promote DEI despite Trump’s directives.
Comcast operates across several FCC-regulated sectors, including cable, high-speed internet, and broadcast television. Carr’s letter to Comcast CEO Brian Roberts emphasised the need for compliance with civil rights protections under the Communications Act, warning that discriminatory DEI programmes might be shut down. The FCC’s investigation also includes a review of a “60 Minutes” interview with Vice President Kamala Harris, questioning whether it violated news distortion rules.
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Why it’s important
The FCC’s investigation into Comcast’s DEI initiatives highlights a significant regulatory shift in the US media industry. The agency is ensuring that companies comply with the legal framework established by the Communications Act, which includes avoiding discriminatory practices. With former President Trump’s executive order aimed at ending government DEI initiatives, the FCC is taking a proactive role in enforcing this policy across regulated sectors. The investigation will likely have broader implications for other media companies that may be under scrutiny for their DEI policies. As Comcast responds to the inquiry, its actions may set precedents for how other companies approach DEI in the future.
