WASHINGTON — Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) criticized Federal Communications Commission Chair Brendan Carr for suggesting broadcasters could lose their licenses over coverage of the Iran war. Johnson said on Fox News that he supports the First Amendment and warned against heavy-handed government intervention in the media.
Carr had posted on X that broadcasters spreading “hoaxes and news distortions” should change course before license renewals, arguing stations must operate in the public interest or risk losing their licenses. His message echoed earlier criticism from President Trump about coverage by major outlets such as The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal.
The remarks sparked bipartisan backlash. Democrats including Sen. Elizabeth Warren called the warning unconstitutional and “straight out of the authoritarian playbook,” while California Gov. Gavin Newsom and other lawmakers said it represented government overreach.
Carr’s comments came after the White House criticized CNN reporting that suggested the administration underestimated the war’s impact on the Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil shipping route. CNN defended its reporting and said it stands by its journalism.
Sources
• The Hill – MBFC Rating
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