FCC chair warns broadcasters they could lose licenses over alleged “hoaxes” in Iran war coverage
The Facts
- FCC Chair Brendan Carr said in a Saturday post on X that broadcasters must operate in the “public interest” and warned they could lose their licenses if they do not.
- Carr’s post accused broadcasters of “running hoaxes and news distortions” and urged them to “correct course” before their license renewals.
- Carr’s warning came after, and referenced, a social-media post by President Donald Trump criticizing news coverage related to the war with Iran.
- Carr did not name specific news outlets in his statement, but his post included or attached Trump’s message.
- Trump criticized media coverage as “intentionally misleading,” including reporting that Iranian strikes damaged five U.S. Air Force refueling planes in Saudi Arabia.
- Carr’s threat drew criticism from Sen. Elizabeth Warren and from the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE).
- Multiple reports describe the FCC as the U.S. regulator that oversees broadcast media and issues licenses for television and radio stations.
Context
What exactly did Brendan Carr say broadcasters should do?
In his X post, Carr said broadcasters airing “hoaxes and news distortions” should “correct course” before license renewals, and he warned that broadcasters must operate in the “public interest” or “they will lose their licenses.” NYT CNBC
Did Carr identify which outlets could lose licenses?
No. Reports say Carr did not single out any specific news outlet, though his post included/attached a Trump social-media message criticizing coverage. SpaceWar NYT
Who criticized Carr’s warning, according to the coverage?
Sen. Elizabeth Warren criticized the threat, and the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE) also condemned it in a post on X. Hill 東方網 馬來西亞東方日報 TVBS
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