O say, can you see: FCC pushes patriotic programming for US 250th

The head of the Federal Communications Commission has called on broadcasters to start the day with the Star Spangled Banner or the Pledge of Allegiance to celebrate the US's 250th birthday.

Brendan Carr made the recommendation when he launched the Pledge America Campaign, itself an adjunct to the Salute to America 250 Task Force launched by the Trump White House a year ago.

Carr's statement [PDF] notes: "Task Force 250 invites citizens to have a renewed love of American history, experience the beauty of our country, and ignite a spirit of adventure and innovation that will raise our nation to new heights over the next 250 years."

He took the opportunity to remind broadcasters of their "longstanding public interest obligations" and their "key role in educating, informing, and entertaining viewers and listeners all across America."

The Pledge America Campaign calls on them to "lend their voices in support ...