More than 75 civil rights advocates, former regulators, and academics are urging Brendan Carr to withdraw threats against broadcasters’ licenses, warning that such actions could undermine free speech protections and chill critical reporting.
In a letter addressed to the FCC, the group argued that recent statements by Carr suggesting stations could face license consequences over editorial decisions represent a dangerous expansion of government pressure on the press.
The signatories include former FCC officials and prominent civil liberties advocates, who contend that using regulatory authority in this way risks politicizing the agency and eroding long-standing First Amendment norms that protect independent journalism.
They also warned that even the suggestion of license revocation could deter broadcasters from covering controversial issues, particularly those involving the federal government, for fear of retaliation.
The criticism marks a broader escalation in tensions between media organizations and regulators, as advocates call for clearer boundaries to prevent government overreach into newsroom decision-making.