FCC Chair Warns Dish Network Over DEI Policies
During a public meeting at the FCC headquarters on Thursday, Chair Brendan Kerr cautioned satellite television provider Dish Network about potential violations of agency directives that aim to end diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies.
Kerr’s warning came after a consumer research report from a watchdog group raised concerns about Dish’s programming, which they described as promoting ideological agendas, including “mandatory training for employees,” children’s gender ideology, and climate initiatives within corporate culture.
“From the very beginning, we’ve been clear at the FCC about discontinuing the promotion of DEI initiatives that seem to discriminate in unclear ways,” Kerr stated in an answer to a question from the Daily Caller News Foundation. “I initiated this right after an executive order from former President Trump to halt such promotion.”
Kerr noted, “I have also stressed that regulated entities need to stop their own DEI promotions that can be viewed as discriminatory. We recently started investigating this area and have communicated with companies like Comcast and Verizon regarding their practices. Our efforts have been effective in ensuring compliance with our Equal Employment Opportunity Standards.”
“Whether in cooking shows or other formats, we expect adherence to the FCC’s guidelines,” he added.
A survey indicated that cooking programs were labeled as requiring “mandatory employee training,” which promoted a so-called “Triple AAA” framework: Allies, Amplification, and Supporters. The watchdog group also criticized the comprehensive DEI initiatives of Dish that integrate ideological priorities into its corporate framework.
Furthermore, the group highlighted a cooking platform identified as a “self-proclaimed LGBT Library,” which plans to create a revised version of traditional programs. Dish’s LGBT employee organization also shared a “Coming Out Handbook” on “National Coming Out Day” for 2024.
The FCC is currently investigating Comcast and Verizon for DEI practices that might not align with FCC regulations, particularly regarding concerns about race and gender-based discrimination raised early in the Trump administration.
Kerr previously expressed worry about Comcast promoting DEI in potentially noncompliant ways, noting their assertion that DEI is a core company value and included in their annual reports of “DEI infrastructure.”
The FCC’s actions against DEI policies are part of a broader initiative by the Trump administration targeting DEI efforts across various government agencies and the private sector. Multiple executive orders have been issued to curtail DEI programs in both realms, insisting that taxpayer resources should not fund such initiatives.
In his remarks, former President Trump asserted that the Biden administration had imposed “illegal and immoral discrimination programs” across virtually all segments of federal governance. He emphasized a commitment to ensuring equal treatment for all citizens.
