The Federal Communications Commission has informed Comcast Corp. that it will launch an investigation into the company’s diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives.
In a letter dated Tuesday, the FCC, which oversees the media and telecommunications industries, announced its intention to scrutinize Comcast and NBCUniversal.
Comcast operates broadband, mobile, and cable TV services under the Xfinity brand, while NBCUniversal encompasses broadcast and cable TV networks, the streaming service Peacock, as well as Universal’s film studio and theme parks.
This development follows an executive order signed three weeks ago by President Donald Trump aimed at ending DEI programs in U.S. corporations. The order directs federal agencies to identify up to nine potential civil compliance investigations targeting publicly traded companies, nonprofits, and other organizations.
FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, a Republican recently appointed by Trump, stated that Comcast and NBCUniversal were selected for investigation because they span multiple sectors regulated by the FCC.
“We have received an inquiry from the Federal Communications Commission and will be cooperating with the FCC to answer their questions,” a Comcast spokesperson said in a statement Wednesday. “For decades, our company has been built on a foundation of integrity and respect for all of our employees and customers.”
Carr’s letter to Comcast expressed concerns that the company and NBCUniversal might be implementing DEI policies in ways that conflict with FCC regulations.
The letter states, “Comcast states on its website that promoting DEI is ‘a core value of our business’ and public reports indicate that Comcast has an extensive ‘DEI infrastructure’ that includes annual ‘DEI day[s],’ ‘DEI training for company leaders,’ and similar initiatives.”
It further notes that NBCUniversal runs similar efforts, “including executives specifically dedicated to promoting DEI across the TV and programming side of the business.”
Later on Wednesday, FCC Commissioner Geoffrey Starks issued a statement condemning the investigation and seeking additional information. He pointed out that when Carr was previously a commissioner, he criticized the previous administration for actions that he claimed “give the FCC a nearly limitless power to veto private sector decisions.”
“From what I know, this enforcement action is outside of our jurisdiction and authority. I have requested a briefing to understand the Enforcement Bureau’s rationale, the legal basis for this action, and any relevant precedent. This move gives me grave concern,” Starks said in a statement.
Meanwhile, Disney is modifying its DEI initiatives, which include revising performance evaluation criteria, rebranding DEI-related programs, and restructuring employee resource groups, the company confirmed Wednesday.
Public broadcaster PBS is taking a different approach by shutting down its DEI office. A PBS representative confirmed that the employees from that office were leaving the company, explaining that the decision aligns with Trump’s executive order.
“We will continue to adhere to our mission and values. PBS will continue to reflect all of America and remain a welcoming place for everyone,” the broadcaster said in a statement.