FCC Chairman Brendan Carr’s war on the First Amendment | The Verge

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FCC Chairman Brendan Carr’s war on the First Amendment

As the chairman of the Federal Communications Commission, Brendan Carr has authority over the nation’s TV, radio, and internet. But since Donald Trump was elected to his second term, Carr has wielded that power to threaten broadcasters that have exercised their free speech rights to make jokes about the president. He was even able to get ABC to briefly pull Jimmy Kimmel from his late-night show. As The Verge editor-in-chief Nilay Patel has said, Carr’s mission is to “trash the First Amendment.” We’ll be following closely as the FCC chairman attempts to erode Americans’ constitutional rights.

Jul 15 Lauren Feiner Brendan Carr plans to let broadcast giants dominate the airwaves Federal Communications Commission. Image: Kristen Radtke / The Verge The Federal Communications Commission will vote next month on whether a single company can own broadcast stations that reach more than 39 percent of US TV households. In a Breitbart op-ed on Wednesday, Republican FCC Chair Brendan Carr announced an August 6th vote to end the national ownership cap rule, which was intended to prevent one company from dominating the media landscape and incentivize serving local communities. Carr argued the rise of social media and streaming platforms renders the rule obsolete, because national programmers can reach “100 percent of the country” without the need to access public airwaves. Under this reasoning, capping local broadcast TV owners at 39 percent “is preventing them from gaining the same scale that their competitors are free to enjoy.”Read Article >

Brendan Carr plans to let broadcast giants dominate the airwaves

The Federal Communications Commission will vote next month on whether a single company can own broadcast stations that reach more than 39 percent of US TV households.

In a Breitbart op-ed on Wednesday, Republican FCC Chair Brendan Carr announced an August 6th vote to end the national ownership cap rule, which was intended to prevent one company from dominating the media landscape and incentivize serving local communities. Carr argued the rise of social media and streaming platforms renders the rule obsolete, because national programmers can reach “100 percent of the country” without the need to access public airwaves. Under this reasoning, capping local broadcast TV owners at 39 percent “is preventing them from gaining the same scale that their competitors are free to enjoy.”

Jun 11 Lauren Feiner The bill that would let Jimmy Kimmel sue Brendan Carr is here Image: Cath Virginia / The Verge, Getty Images Under a new bipartisan bill, Americans could sue for damages if a government official illegally tries to coerce a social media, AI, or broadcasting company to remove their post — regardless of whether the platform actually does it. Senate Commerce Committee Chair Ted Cruz (R-TX) and Sen. Ron Wyden (D-OR) introduced the JAWBONE Act on Thursday, which, in addition to letting individuals sue for these kinds of damages, would create new transparency requirements for government communications with social media, AI, and broadcast companies. Read Article >

The bill that would let Jimmy Kimmel sue Brendan Carr is here

Under a new bipartisan bill, Americans could sue for damages if a government official illegally tries to coerce a social media, AI, or broadcasting company to remove their post — regardless of whether the platform actually does it.

Senate Commerce Committee Chair Ted Cruz (R-TX) and Sen. Ron Wyden (D-OR) introduced the JAWBONE Act on Thursday, which, in addition to letting individuals sue for these kinds of damages, would create new transparency requirements for government communications with social media, AI, and broadcast companies.

Apr 28 Lauren Feiner Former FCC staffers agree: Brendan Carr needs to be stopped Image: Cath Virginia / The Verge, Getty Images Several former Federal Communications Commissioners and staffers across parties are urging a federal appeals court to force a vote on the FCC’s news distortion policy, which they argue should be repealed after being abused by Republican Chair Brendan Carr. On Tuesday, a group of petitioners asked the US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia to require the FCC to vote on a petition to repeal the News Distortion Policy. The petition was filed by the bipartisan group of former officials in November of 2025, after Carr invoked the rule to pressure ABC into temporarily suspending comedian Jimmy Kimmel. But only the agency chair can bring it to the full commission for a vote, and Carr has so far failed to do so while opposing a repeal. Now, the former officials are asking the court to grant a writ of mandamus, which would compel the FCC to take action. The goal is to force a response from the agency, putting each of the three commissioners on the record about the policy, and opening a potential legal pathway to remove a tool the group believes has been weaponized. Read Article >

Former FCC staffers agree: Brendan Carr needs to be stopped

Several former Federal Communications Commissioners and staffers across parties are urging a federal appeals court to force a vote on the FCC’s news distortion policy, which they argue should be repealed after being abused by Republican Chair Brendan Carr.

On Tuesday, a group of petitioners asked the US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia to require the FCC to vote on a petition to repeal the News Distortion Policy. The petition was filed by the bipartisan group of former officials in November of 2025, after Carr invoked the rule to pressure ABC into temporarily suspending comedian Jimmy Kimmel. But only the agency chair can bring it to the full commission for a vote, and Carr has so far failed to do so while opposing a repeal. Now, the former officials are asking the court to grant a writ of mandamus, which would compel the FCC to take action. The goal is to force a response from the agency, putting each of the three commissioners on the record about the policy, and opening a potential legal pathway to remove a tool the group believes has been weaponized.

Apr 23 Charles Pulliam-Moore Brendan Carr’s war on wokeness targets inclusive children’s television Image: Getty Under the guidance of consummate bully / chairman Brendan Carr, the FCC is taking steps toward cracking down on children’s entertainment that in any way explores the complexities of gender identity. On Wednesday, the FCC’s Media Bureau announced that it is soliciting comments from the public about whether the TV ratings system has made sound decisions regarding children’s programming with transgender or nonbinary characters. In a statement about the commenting period the FCC said that it was soliciting feedback due to an alleged uptick in “significant concerns” about whether “controversial gender identity issues are being included or promoted in children’s programs without providing any disclosure or transparency to parents.”Read Article >

Brendan Carr’s war on wokeness targets inclusive children’s television

Under the guidance of consummate bully / chairman Brendan Carr, the FCC is taking steps toward cracking down on children’s entertainment that in any way explores the complexities of gender identity.

On Wednesday, the FCC’s Media Bureau announced that it is soliciting comments from the public about whether the TV ratings system has made sound decisions regarding children’s programming with transgender or nonbinary characters. In a statement about the commenting period the FCC said that it was soliciting feedback due to an alleged uptick in “significant concerns” about whether “controversial gender identity issues are being included or promoted in children’s programs without providing any disclosure or transparency to parents.”

Mar 26 Lauren Feiner Brendan Carr says his broadcast license threat wasn’t really about Iran war coverage Image: Cath Virginia / The Verge, Getty Images Federal Communications Commission Chair Brendan Carr never meant to threaten broadcast licenses over their coverage of the war in Iran, he told reporters after an event hosted by FGS and Semafor.“My comments weren’t actually on the Iran war,” Carr said in response to a question from The Verge about his statement regarding coverage of the war. “I understand why people say that. I made a statement quoting a tweet.”Read Article >

Brendan Carr says his broadcast license threat wasn’t really about Iran war coverage

Federal Communications Commission Chair Brendan Carr never meant to threaten broadcast licenses over their coverage of the war in Iran, he told reporters after an event hosted by FGS and Semafor.

“My comments weren’t actually on the Iran war,” Carr said in response to a question from The Verge about his statement regarding coverage of the war. “I understand why people say that. I made a statement quoting a tweet.”

Dec 19, 2025 David Pierce Brendan Carr is a dummy All year on The Vergecast, we’ve been tracking the many bizarre and problematic actions of FCC Chairman Brendan Carr. There has been a lot to discuss! Then, this week, ahead of one of our last episodes of the year, Carr appeared in front of the Senate Commerce Committee and spent three hours explaining how he thinks about his job, the FCC, and the state of online communication and entertainment. It was a lot. On this episode of The Vergecast, we begin with a dissection of Carr’s testimony, his threats against broadcasters, and the ways in which he’s using old ideas about content delivery to get his political way. Nilay and David walk through some of Carr’s most important quotes, explain the history of broadband regulation, and look ahead to how Carr might bring these same tactics to internet regulation next year. Read Article >

All year on The Vergecast, we’ve been tracking the many bizarre and problematic actions of FCC Chairman Brendan Carr. There has been a lot to discuss! Then, this week, ahead of one of our last episodes of the year, Carr appeared in front of the Senate Commerce Committee and spent three hours explaining how he thinks about his job, the FCC, and the state of online communication and entertainment. It was a lot.

On this episode of The Vergecast, we begin with a dissection of Carr’s testimony, his threats against broadcasters, and the ways in which he’s using old ideas about content delivery to get his political way. Nilay and David walk through some of Carr’s most important quotes, explain the history of broadband regulation, and look ahead to how Carr might bring these same tactics to internet regulation next year.

Dec 17, 2025 Lauren Feiner Brendan Carr doesn’t regret his threats to broadcasters Image: Image: Cath Virginia / The Verge, Getty Images A defiant Brendan Carr testified before the Senate Commerce Committee on Wednesday in his first public appearance before lawmakers since threatening broadcasters who aired comedian Jimmy Kimmel’s show. Over the course of nearly three hours, the Federal Communications Commission chairman ping-ponged between heated exchanges with Democrats and largely muted questions from Republicans. But at least some members of both parties expressed concern about regulators bending the First Amendment — though there’s little sign it will have much impact on Carr. Read Article >

Brendan Carr doesn’t regret his threats to broadcasters

A defiant Brendan Carr testified before the Senate Commerce Committee on Wednesday in his first public appearance before lawmakers since threatening broadcasters who aired comedian Jimmy Kimmel’s show.

Over the course of nearly three hours, the Federal Communications Commission chairman ping-ponged between heated exchanges with Democrats and largely muted questions from Republicans. But at least some members of both parties expressed concern about regulators bending the First Amendment — though there’s little sign it will have much impact on Carr.

Nov 20, 2025 Dominic Preston Brendan Carr’s FCC launches probe into BBC’s Trump edit Image: Cath Virginia / The Verge, Getty Images FCC chair Brendan Carr has reportedly written to the BBC, PBS, and NPR announcing an investigation into whether a controversial BBC documentary with a misleading edit of a Donald Trump speech was ever aired in the US. Breitbart obtained a copy of the letter, which hasn’t been shared publicly by either Carr or the FCC. It’s addressed to Katherine Maher, the CEO of NPR, Paula Kerger, the president and CEO of PBS, and Tim Davie, who was the director-general of the BBC until he announced his resignation last week. Read Article >

Brendan Carr’s FCC launches probe into BBC’s Trump edit

FCC chair Brendan Carr has reportedly written to the BBC, PBS, and NPR announcing an investigation into whether a controversial BBC documentary with a misleading edit of a Donald Trump speech was ever aired in the US.

Breitbart obtained a copy of the letter, which hasn’t been shared publicly by either Carr or the FCC. It’s addressed to Katherine Maher, the CEO of NPR, Paula Kerger, the president and CEO of PBS, and Tim Davie, who was the director-general of the BBC until he announced his resignation last week.

Oct 10, 2025 Jess Weatherbed Brendan Carr wants to let internet providers charge hidden fees again Image: Cath Virginia / The Verge, Getty Images Broadband customers may find themselves blighted by unexpected charges again, thanks to Federal Communications Commission chairman Brendan Carr. The FCC has submitted a proposal to revise “unnecessary” requirements for internet service providers to itemize every fee on monthly bills, citing that it “may confuse customers.”The proposal comes in response to complaints by ISPs over a Biden-era transparency rule that took effect in April 2024, arguing that their self-inflicted billing complexity made it impractical and burdensome to list every fee they impose on consumers. Compliance with the rule requires that ISPs either create a broadband “nutrition label” that makes it easier for consumers to accurately compare plan prices and avoid hidden fees, or include those hidden charges in the overall price. Read Article >

Brendan Carr wants to let internet providers charge hidden fees again

Broadband customers may find themselves blighted by unexpected charges again, thanks to Federal Communications Commission chairman Brendan Carr. The FCC has submitted a proposal to revise “unnecessary” requirements for internet service providers to itemize every fee on monthly bills, citing that it “may confuse customers.”

The proposal comes in response to complaints by ISPs over a Biden-era transparency rule that took effect in April 2024, arguing that their self-inflicted billing complexity made it impractical and burdensome to list every fee they impose on consumers. Compliance with the rule requires that ISPs either create a broadband “nutrition label” that makes it easier for consumers to accurately compare plan prices and avoid hidden fees, or include those hidden charges in the overall price.

Sep 24, 2025 Sarah Jeong Kimmel returns to television to mock FCC Chair Brendan Carr Jimmy Kimmel made a triumphant return to television (in most, but not all, cities) on Tuesday night, devoting his monologue to his short but shocking removal from the air. The comedian tackled the uproar head-on, directly naming Brendan Carr, the Federal Communications Commission chair who had instigated Kimmel’s censorship. In a later segment, he took aim at Carr during a sketch in which Robert De Niro played an unnamed FCC chair occupying Carr’s office. In his opening remarks, Kimmel impressed upon the value of free speech, saying that he had met comedians and talk show hosts from totalitarian countries who had told him that they could “get thrown in prison for making fun of those in power.” The freedom of speech, Kimmel said, was “something I’m embarrassed to say I took for granted until they pulled my friend Stephen [Colbert] off the air and tried to coerce the affiliates who run our show in the cities that you live in to take my show off the air. That’s not legal. That’s not American. That is un-American, and it is so dangerous.”Read Article >

Kimmel returns to television to mock FCC Chair Brendan Carr

Jimmy Kimmel made a triumphant return to television (in most, but not all, cities) on Tuesday night, devoting his monologue to his short but shocking removal from the air. The comedian tackled the uproar head-on, directly naming Brendan Carr, the Federal Communications Commission chair who had instigated Kimmel’s censorship. In a later segment, he took aim at Carr during a sketch in which Robert De Niro played an unnamed FCC chair occupying Carr’s office.

In his opening remarks, Kimmel impressed upon the value of free speech, saying that he had met comedians and talk show hosts from totalitarian countries who had told him that they could “get thrown in prison for making fun of those in power.” The freedom of speech, Kimmel said, was “something I’m embarrassed to say I took for granted until they pulled my friend Stephen [Colbert] off the air and tried to coerce the affiliates who run our show in the cities that you live in to take my show off the air. That’s not legal. That’s not American. That is un-American, and it is so dangerous.”

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