FCC Chairman Carr Visits North Dakota, Participates in UAS and Local Broadcasters Roundtables

***Click here for media resources.*** FARGO, N.D. – U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) welcomed Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Brendan Carr to North Dakota for a series of visits and roundtable discussions focused on the state’s role in deploying next-generation unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and his efforts to ensure community newsrooms can compete in the Digital Age. Cramer said the visit “highlighted North Dakota’s role in advancing UAS technology and protecting the ability of local broadcasters to provide the local news, entertainment, and emergency coverage their listeners rely on.” “As the chief regulator of the broadcast industry, the FCC is responsible for ensuring its regulations serve the public interest and foster local journalism, particularly at a time more Americans are turning to social media and streaming services for the information they consume daily,” said Cramer. “At the same time, the agency is helping to shape the future of our airspace and advance the next generation of unmanned aircraft technology. I’m grateful Chairman Carr took the time to visit North Dakota, see the innovation happening here, and hear directly from the people and industries driving it forward.” “I want to thank Senator Cramer for inviting me back to North Dakota,” said Chairman Carr. “He is a great advocate for the state and its range of innovative industries. From promoting American drone dominance to modernizing broadcast regulations, Senator Cramer has made sure that the FCC delivers for North Dakota. I look forward to acting on the many good ideas we heard today.” Cramer and Carr began their visit in Emerado where they toured General Atomics and Northrop Grumman facilities operating out of Grand Sky, the first public-private UAS park in the United States. Afterwards, they participated in a roundtable discussion focused on the growing role of unmanned aircraft technology, its applications, and the opportunities it presents for North Dakota’s aerospace and defense industries. They then traveled to Fargo for a roundtable with local broadcasters to discuss the importance of television and radio stations in keeping North Dakotans informed and connected. Cramer and Carr also toured Badland Batteries, a battery cell manufacturing facility in Fargo, which combines automated and manned equipment to produce lithium-ion pouch cells for defense, aerospace, and autonomous systems.