The new head of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), Chairman Brendan Carr, has ordered an investigation into NPR and PBS over concerns that they may be violating federal laws by airing commercial-like underwriting announcements.

Public broadcasting stations, which the FCC regulates, are prohibited from airing commercials.

NPR and PBS executives deny the allegations, asserting that they adhere to FCC guidelines and maintain noncommercial educational programming, NPR has reported.

The investigation focuses on whether their underwriting announcements cross the line into prohibited advertising.

Written by B.C. Begley