The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) chairman is seeking answers from Google regarding YouTube’s alleged censorship of a faith-based network. The channel in question, known as Great American Family, has been at the heart of discussions concerning its suppression on YouTube TV.
I have received complaints that Google’s @YouTubeTV is discriminating against faith-based programming.
These concerning allegations come at a time when American public discourse has experienced an unprecedented—and unacceptable—surge in censorship.
I’m asking Google for answers pic.twitter.com/jmFvMM3VS5
— Brendan Carr (@BrendanCarrFCC) March 7, 2025
Brendan Carr, the FCC Chairman, has raised his voice, addressing the apparent exclusion of Great American Family from YouTube TV’s programming. This network, which has been reported to be one of the fastest-growing channels in cable television, is notably absent from YouTube TV while being featured on various other platforms such as Comcast, Hulu, and DirecTV stream. In a letter shared on social media, Carr stated, “Great American Media states that its Great American Family network is the second fastest-growing channel in cable television,” pointing out the disparity in its availability across streaming services.
Great American Media, which offers family-friendly and faith-based content, seeks to provide alternatives to audiences who might be disillusioned with the current offerings of typical Hollywood entertainment. Bill Abbott, the network’s President and CEO, expressed enthusiasm about the content they create, acknowledging that many Americans are looking for something different from what mainstream television presents. Abbott commented, “I think the majority of the country is looking for something quite different. And you look at the awards show ratings, for example, and how far down they have been over the years…”
The situation has highlighted concerns raised by Doug Deason, chair of Great American Media, who pointed out the limited representation of faith-based programming on YouTube TV. He emphasized that while the platform’s lineup boasts numerous channels laced with content that includes sex, violence, and profanity, channels like Great American Family remain sidelined. “Among YouTube TV’s 17 news channels, 12 lean liberal, while only four carry a conservative perspective,” Deason noted.
Carr’s inquiry into this apparent censorship aligns with broader worries surrounding the state of public discourse in America, which he claims has faced notable levels of censorship lately. He indicated that tech companies often silence voices simply for expressing differing viewpoints. While the FCC does acknowledge limited oversight over virtual programming distributors, it still receives complaints from independent programmers when their content is excluded from such platforms. Carr mentioned that understanding carriage policies is crucial for addressing the larger regulatory issues at hand.
In response to the FCC’s inquiries, a YouTube spokesperson articulated the platform’s rationale behind its content decisions. Assuring stakeholders that there are no policies specifically obstructing religious content, they stated, “We welcome the opportunity to brief the FCC on YouTube TV’s subscription service and the strategic business decisions we make…”
Since its launch in 2021, Great American Family has garnered a respectable following, with around 101,000 subscribers on its YouTube channel, yet remains unavailable on YouTube TV despite its presence on major streaming services. Encouraging signs have emerged for the network as it saw a significant boost in viewership, particularly driven by their “Great American Christmas” programming, achieving a 19% increase in household viewership to become a Top 25 channel in November 2024.
Abbott shared his thoughts on the matter, stating, “Great American Christmas continues to resonate with viewers nationwide. This remarkable performance during a period of widespread decline in the linear space reflects the passion of our talented team…”
Leave a Reply