FCC chairman warns stations must “operate in the public interest” or risk losing licenses, prompting criticism from politicians and free speech advocates.

The administration of Donald Trump has warned U.S. broadcasters that their licenses could be at risk if their reporting on the war involving Iran is considered misleading, a move that has drawn criticism from politicians and defenders of press freedom in the United States.

RELATED: War-Induced High Oil Prices Benefit the United States: Trump

On Saturday, Brendan Carr, chairman of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), wrote on social media that radio and television broadcasters must “operate in the public interest or lose their licenses.” He also said that media outlets publishing “deceits and distortions of news (also known as fake news), now have the opportunity to correct course before license renewals arise.”

The remarks mark the latest warning from Carr, who has faced repeated scrutiny over efforts to pressure broadcasters to align with the priorities of the Trump administration.

Last year, Carr urged American Broadcasting Company (ABC) and its distributors to take action against comedian Jimmy Kimmel after the television host criticized the U.S. president. The statements triggered immediate condemnation from political figures and advocates of free expression.

Senator Brian Schatz of Hawaii wrote that the warning amounted to “a clear directive to provide positive war coverage or else licenses cannot be renewed.” Schatz said the stakes are higher than in previous incidents because the dispute concerns coverage of an armed conflict.

Aaron Terr, director of public advocacy at the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE), also criticized Carr’s actions, accusing the FCC chair of attempting to silence negative reporting on the situation involving Iran.

Observers have raised concerns that such measures could weaken the principles of independent journalism and access to information in the United States. The warning adds to a pattern of confrontational rhetoric from Trump toward media organizations since the start of his administration, intensifying debate over civil liberties and press freedom in the country.

IN THIS ARTICLE