FCC Chair Launches Probe Into Comcast’s DEI Policies

Federal Communications Commission Chair Brendan Carr ordered an investigation into Comcast’s diversity, equity, and inclusion policies, warning that other companies under FCC oversight could face similar scrutiny if found engaging in “invidious” discrimination.

Carr informed Comcast CEO Brian Roberts that the agency would examine whether the cable giant’s programs were in “violation of F.C.C. regulations and civil rights laws,” per the New York Post.

Carr told the Post, “Every single business that’s regulated by the FCC … I trust that they have now got the message that the time to end their invidious forms of DEI discrimination is now.”

A Comcast spokesperson responded to Carr’s letter, saying, “We have received an inquiry from the Federal Communications Commission and will be cooperating with the FCC to answer their questions. For decades, our company has been built on a foundation of integrity and respect for all of our employees and customers.”

The probe follows President Trump’s ban on such initiatives at federal agencies after taking office, with many private companies following suit.

Carr’s letter also highlighted that Comcast had multiple initiatives to evaluate, including “DEI days” and formal training sessions.

According to the notice, the agency selected Comcast because it “touches so many of our sectors,” being a top cable, wireless, and internet provider and broadcasting giant, owning NBCUniversal and Peacock.

Carr indicated the agency has “lots of different options on the table,” ranging from letters of inquiry to more severe enforcement measures, should companies such as Comcast not end discriminatory DEI practices.

“I have a very hard time seeing how a business is going to get FCC approval while maintaining invidious forms of discrimination,” Carr said.

He did not confirm whether all FCC regulations firms with forms of DEI policies will be subject to formal review. Still, he emphasized that companies under his jurisdiction should examine their policies closely.

Various household-name corporations have scaled back or revised their diversity-focused programming in recent months. Recently, both Google and Disney took steps to pause or trim back parts of their own DEI agendas, reflecting a shifting landscape for businesses under the Trump administration.