Brendan Carr, chair of the Federal Communications Commission under President Donald Trump, issued a stark warning to television broadcasters on Saturday, threatening license revocation for what he characterizes as "hoaxes and news distortions."
In a statement, Carr declared: "Broadcasters that are running hoaxes and news distortions - also known as the fake news - have a chance now to correct course before their license renewals come up. The law is clear. Broadcasters must operate in the public interest, and they will lose their licenses if they do not."
Carr cited declining trust in legacy media, noting that "trust in legacy media has now fallen to an all time low of just 9% and are ratings disasters." He argued that broadcasters have been subsidized through free access to the nation's airwaves and suggested that changing editorial direction is in their business interests.
The FCC chief framed the issue as a matter of public confidence, stating: "When a political candidate is able to win a landslide election victory in the face of hoaxes and distortions, there is something very wrong. It means the public has lost faith and confidence in the media."
Carr concluded by calling for systemic change in broadcast journalism, declaring "Time for change!" His comments represent an unprecedented direct threat by a Trump administration official to use regulatory authority over media licensing as a tool to influence news coverage.
Broadcasters that are running hoaxes and news distortions - also known as the fake news - have a chance now to correct course before their license renewals come up.
The law is clear. Broadcasters must operate in the public interest, and they will lose their licenses if they… https://t.co/7bBgnsbalw
— Brendan Carr (@BrendanCarrFCC) March 14, 2026