FCC Chairman Carr Threatens Broadcasters Over 'Fake News'

Carr's tactics echo the controversial 'fairness doctrine' that the Reagan FCC rejected as unconstitutional.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 6:42am

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A serene, photorealistic painting depicting a government building or FCC logo in soft, warm lighting, conveying a sense of quiet contemplation and the weight of institutional power.As the FCC chairman threatens broadcasters over 'fake news,' the agency's growing power to regulate speech raises concerns about the erosion of media freedom.Washington Today

Federal Communications Commission Chairman Brendan Carr has threatened the licenses of broadcasters who 'are running hoaxes and news distortions - also known as the fake news.' This approach echoes the 'fairness doctrine' that the Reagan FCC rejected as unconstitutional, citing concerns about government abuse and the inhibiting effect on free speech. Carr has also weaponized the FCC's 'news distortion' policy and 'equal opportunity' rules around political interviews to pressure media outlets, drawing comparisons to a 'mafioso' from Sen. Ted Cruz.

Why it matters

Carr's actions represent a concerning shift away from the Reagan-era FCC's commitment to protecting free speech and media freedom. His tactics could set a dangerous precedent, allowing future administrations of any political party to wield the FCC as a tool for censorship and political retaliation against media outlets. This undermines the First Amendment principles that the Reagan FCC upheld.

The details

Carr has threatened the licenses of broadcasters over 'fake news,' invoking the FCC's 'public interest' obligations. This echoes the 'fairness doctrine' that the Reagan FCC rejected as unconstitutional, citing concerns about government abuse and the inhibiting effect on free speech. Carr has also weaponized the FCC's 'news distortion' policy and 'equal opportunity' rules around political interviews to pressure media outlets, drawing comparisons to a 'mafioso' from Sen. Ted Cruz. Carr's actions have avoided judicial review by not taking 'final agency action,' relying instead on threats and regulation through unreviewable guidance documents.

  • In January 2023, Carr said the FCC would decide if a program was 'fake news'.
  • Last year, Carr threatened Disney and ABC stations over comments from talk shot host Jimmy Kimmel.

The players

Brendan Carr

The current chairman of the Federal Communications Commission who has threatened the licenses of broadcasters over 'fake news'.

Ronald Reagan

The former president who vetoed the Fairness in Broadcasting Act of 1987 and ended the 'fairness doctrine' at the FCC, recognizing it as a threat to free speech.

Ted Cruz

The U.S. Senator who compared Carr to a 'mafioso' over his tactics against media outlets.

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What they’re saying

“This isn't Reagan's FCC.”

— Brendan Carr, FCC Chairman

“The obvious intent of the First Amendment is to promote vigorous public debate and a diversity of viewpoints in the public forum as a whole, not in any particular medium, let alone in any particular journalistic outlet.”

— Ronald Reagan, Former President

“Carr is wielding illegitimate power against broadcasters.”

— Berin Szóka, Author

What’s next

If Carr won't grant the petition to end the FCC's 'news distortion' policy, he should deny it promptly so a court can decide if the policy is constitutional.

The takeaway

Carr's tactics at the FCC represent a concerning shift away from the Reagan-era commitment to protecting free speech and media freedom. His actions could set a dangerous precedent, allowing future administrations to wield the FCC as a tool for censorship and political retaliation against media outlets, undermining the First Amendment principles that the Reagan FCC upheld.