Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Brendan Carr has sent a letter to Google CEO Sundar Pichai and YouTube CEO Neal Mohan, inquiring about YouTube TV's alleged discrimination against faith-based programming. The inquiry stems from a complaint filed by Great American Media, which claims that YouTube TV "refuses" to carry one of its channels.

Carr's letter highlights the importance of addressing these allegations, particularly in an era where American public discourse is experiencing an unprecedented surge in censorship. The FCC Chair notes that tech companies have silenced individuals for expressing themselves, and it is crucial to investigate whether YouTube TV's carriage negotiations process involves viewpoint-based discrimination.

The channel in question, Great American Family, is currently distributed across various cable providers and digital services, including Fubo, Sling, DirecTV Stream, and Hulu. YouTube spokesperson Audrey Lopez responded to the inquiry, stating that the company welcomes the opportunity to brief the FCC on its subscription service and strategic business decisions, which are based on factors like user demand, operational cost, and financial terms. Lopez reiterated that YouTube does not have policies prohibiting religious content.

This development comes at a time when the FCC is considering expanding its rules to include virtual multichannel video programming distributors (MVPDs) like YouTube TV. Carr has been vocal about limiting the protections for tech companies under Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, which shields online platforms from being held legally accountable for user-generated content.

In a related move, Rep. Jim Jordan has subpoenaed YouTube, seeking information on whether the platform removed content at the request of the Biden administration. This adds to the growing scrutiny of tech companies and their role in shaping online discourse.

The implications of this inquiry are far-reaching, as it could set a precedent for how tech companies approach content moderation and carriage negotiations. As the FCC continues to navigate the complex landscape of online regulation, this development serves as a reminder of the need for transparency and accountability in the digital sphere.

In conclusion, the FCC's inquiry into YouTube TV's alleged discrimination against faith-based programming raises important questions about the role of tech companies in shaping online discourse. As the investigation unfolds, it will be crucial to monitor the developments and their potential impact on the tech industry and beyond.