Brendan Carr has officially taken the helm as the chair of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), granting him the authority to shape the agency's agenda and push through a range of regulations that will significantly impact the tech and media industries. With a Republican majority, Carr is poised to implement his vision for the FCC, which includes a focus on "issues ranging from tech and media regulation to unleashing new opportunities for jobs and growth through agency actions on spectrum, infrastructure, and the space economy."

Carr's priorities are also reflected in his contribution to the Heritage Foundation's Project 2025, a document outlining a wishlist for a Donald Trump presidency. In the FCC chapter, Carr proposes several measures, including limiting immunity for tech companies under Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, requiring disclosures about content prioritization, and mandating tech companies to contribute to a program funding broadband access in rural areas. Additionally, Carr advocates for faster approval of satellite launch applications, such as those from Elon Musk's StarLink.

Notably, Carr's chapter also addresses security threats from China, including the perceived dangers posed by TikTok. However, this stance may be complicated by Trump's recent shift in tone, now positioning himself as the app's savior. This development puts Carr in a tricky position, as he navigates the complex landscape of tech policy and national security.

Carr has also indicated his willingness to use his power to revoke spectrum licenses for networks that violate the equal time rule, citing a past dispute over NBC's hosting of Kamala Harris on "Saturday Night Live." While the network ultimately complied with the rules, Carr's stance raises questions about the boundaries of free speech and the role of the FCC in regulating content.

To implement his agenda, Carr will require a third Republican vote on the commission. Trump has nominated Mark Meador, a former staffer to Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT), to join the commission, pending Senate confirmation. Meador's appointment could prove crucial in advancing Carr's priorities.

In a related development, Andrew Ferguson, Trump's pick to lead the Federal Trade Commission, has also taken office. Ferguson's reported agenda echoes aspects of Carr's, including a desire to "hold big tech accountable and stop censorship" and to "protect freedom of speech and fight wokeness." The convergence of these agendas could have significant implications for the tech industry, as both agencies seek to assert their authority over the sector.

As Carr begins his tenure as FCC chair, his ambitious agenda is likely to have far-reaching consequences for the tech and media industries. With a focus on regulation, security, and free speech, Carr's leadership will be closely watched by industry stakeholders and policymakers alike.