FCC chair threatens to revoke broadcasters' licences over Iran coverage

After Trump criticised media coverage of the Iran war, Carr says he can remove licences if they do not serve the public interest.

FCC Chair Brendan Carr threatened to revoke broadcasters' licenses over Iran war coverage, aligning with President Trump's goal to reshape the media landscape through intimidation and policy influence. This follows Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's criticism of CNN, expressing preference for new ownership.

Senator Ron Johnson publicly criticized the Trump administration's attempts to pressure media outlets over their war coverage. Appearing on Fox News, Johnson affirmed support for the First Amendment and rejected the idea of government policing news content, despite FCC Chairman Brendan Carr's controversial statement suggesting broadcast licenses could be revoked over 'fake news'.

FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, a top Trump media ally, threatened to revoke broadcast licenses of networks that do not portray President Trump's unauthorized war positively. Citing the requirement for broadcasters to serve the 'public interest,' Carr warned networks against airing what he labeled 'hoaxes' and 'news distortions.' This came in response to growing dissatisfaction within the Trump administration over critical media coverage of the ongoing military conflict, notably involving Iran.