FCC Chair Brendan Carr Accused of Using Regulatory Power to Silence Broadcasters

FCC Chairman Brendan Carr has used his regulatory authority over U.S. television, radio, and internet to pressure broadcasters since Donald Trump's second term began. Critics allege Carr has threatened broadcast licenses of outlets whose content he deems unfavorable to the president. His actions reportedly led ABC to temporarily pull late-night host Jimmy Kimmel off air. Former FCC staffers and press freedom advocates have publicly called for Carr to be stopped, arguing his conduct undermines First Amendment protections. Carr's tenure has also drawn scrutiny over probes into the BBC, proposed hidden internet fees, and targeting of inclusive children's programming.