Story perspectives

Carr Blasts Democrats Over Children’s TV Rating Reform

By Drooid · Sep 23, 2026, 5:52 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Carr Condemns Democrats

Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Brendan Carr condemned Democrats for opposing children’s TV rating reform.
Carr wrote to Rep. Mark Takano about Democrats’ stance on parental transparency.
Democrats said FCC plan would censor transgender characters and violate First Amendment.
The FCC notice labeled shows with transgender and non-binary content appropriate for children.
Carr cited ‘Muppet Babies’ with Gonzo as a princess, ‘Strawberry Shortcake’ trans character, and Disney’s ‘Primos’ non-binary characters.

Summary

Vaughn Predicts Summit Disappointment

Brendan Carr, FCC chair, is one of the few remaining China hawks shaping U.S. China policy under President Donald Trump.
Stephen Vaughn, former USTR general counsel, warned the Trump-Xi summit would likely disappoint.
Vaughn said Chinese trade choices are driven by bureaucratic geopolitics rather than market forces.
Savannah Billman questions whether President Donald Trump and Xi are meeting the truce’s commitments.

History

Historical Context

The 1934 Communications Act established the FCC to regulate telephone and broadcast services. On February 8 1996 President Bill Clinton signed the Telecommunications Act, the first major overhaul in more than 60 years, adding internet regulation and creating TV Parental Guidelines. Today FCC Chair Brendan Carr invokes that legacy as he debates Rep. Mark Takano’s proposal to label transgender content.

1 of 3

Carr Condemns Democrats

Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Brendan Carr condemned Democrats for opposing children’s TV rating reform.
Carr wrote to Rep. Mark Takano about Democrats’ stance on parental transparency.
Democrats said FCC plan would censor transgender characters and violate First Amendment.
The FCC notice labeled shows with transgender and non-binary content appropriate for children.
Carr cited ‘Muppet Babies’ with Gonzo as a princess, ‘Strawberry Shortcake’ trans character, and Disney’s ‘Primos’ non-binary characters.

1 / 3