NBCUniversal And Comcast Face Federal Investigation Over DEI Initiatives

NBCUniversal and its parent company, Comcast, are under federal investigation over their DEI initiatives and practices.

Investigation into DEI efforts at Comcast

In a letter dated February 11, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced it is investigating Comcast and its media arm, NBCUniversal, citing “substantial evidence” that they continue to promote DEI in violation of FCC regulations.

The investigation follows President Trump’s executive order, signed on January 21, which ended DEI programs across the federal government and directed US agencies to encourage the private sector to do the same.

FCC Chairman Brendan Carr wrote a letter to Comcast CEO Brian Roberts saying “The FCC will be taking fresh action to ensure that every entity the FCC regulates complies with the civil rights protections enshrined in the Communications Act… including by shutting down any programs that promote invidious forms of DEI discrimination.”

What are other legal challenges facing other media outlets?

NBC Universal and Comcast aren’t the first media networks to receive critique from the new Trump administration.

CBS News is currently under review by the FCC for its “60 Minutes” interview with former Vice President Kamala. The FCC believes it violated rules relating to “news distortion. President Trump also filed a separate lawsuit against the company, claiming that the interview was edited to give Harris an advantage in the polls, according to The Washington Post.

The FCC is also investigating Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) and National Public Radio (NPR), over concerns that government rules around the naming of financial sponsors on the air may have been violated.

Trump appears to be following through on his December promise to take legal action against major media outlets, labelling the press “very corrupt.” This comes after Disney-owned ABC News agreed to pay $15 million toward his presidential library to settle a defamation lawsuit.

What is Comcast’s stance on DEI?

Comcast has not shied away from its dedication to DEI, especially in its hiring, training, and programming initiatives. The company has invested in furthering inclusion across its workforce, as its website states that it has spent US$18bn on “diverse Tier 1 suppliers” since 2010.

It also offers 100 diverse networks on Xfinity platforms and has given over 18,000 hours of diverse on-demand and online programming since 2018. “Diversity, equity, and inclusion are a core value of our business. Our commitment to diversity and mission to champion inclusivity and equality starts at home” the company states.

Image:  Jonathan Newton / Associated Press