FCC Chair Warns Broadcasters Over Iran War Coverage After Trump Criticism

The head of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has warned that broadcasters could risk losing their licences following criticism from US President Donald Trump over media coverage of the US-Israel conflict with Iran.

FCC chair Brendan Carr said in an interview with CBS News that broadcast licences are not a “property right” and could be revoked if stations fail to serve the public interest.

His comments came after he accused some media outlets of spreading “hoaxes and distortions,” adding that broadcasters still have time to “correct course” before their licence renewal periods.

The remarks sparked strong criticism from Democratic figures, who argued that such threats could violate constitutional protections of free speech.

Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren said it would be unlawful for the government to censor speech simply because it disagrees with coverage of Trump’s Iran policy. California Governor Gavin Newsom described the warning as “flagrantly unconstitutional,” while Senator Mark Kelly called it an overreach aimed at avoiding accountability.

The FCC, which regulates US broadcast airwaves, oversees television and radio stations and is responsible for issuing licences, typically valid for eight years. However, it does not license major TV networks themselves, such as CBS, NBC, ABC, or Fox.

Carr reiterated that broadcasters are required by law to operate in the public interest, responding to a social media post by Trump in which the president accused parts of the media of undermining the war effort.

He also emphasised that broadcast regulation differs from other forms of media, noting that licences come with specific obligations tied to public service.

Carr has previously taken aim at media figures critical of Trump. He recently called for the suspension of TV host Jimmy Kimmel after comments about Republican reactions to the killing of political activist Charlie Kirk. Kimmel’s programme was briefly taken off air before returning days later.

Trump himself has repeatedly accused major outlets, including the Wall Street Journal and New York Times, of biased reporting, and has launched legal action against some organisations.

Despite the FCC’s regulatory role, the agency states that it is limited in its authority over content. According to its guidelines, both the First Amendment and US law prevent it from censoring broadcast material directly.

Its oversight applies mainly to traditional television and radio broadcasts, and does not extend to cable networks or streaming platforms.