FCC Chair Carr's Threats to Punish Broadcasters Are Unconstitutional

"Carr's threats are unconstitutional efforts to coerce news coverage that favors President Trump. He wrongly claims that the FCC's 'public interest' standard allows him to revoke licenses for unfavorable news."

"The First Amendment constrains the FCC's authority to force broadcasters to toe the government's line. Viewpoint-based limitations are subject to First Amendment scrutiny."

"Carr's allegations of 'falsity' are a proxy for retaliation based on his subjective policy disagreements and any criticism of Trump and the administration."

Federal Communications Commission chair Brendan Carr's threats to punish broadcasters for airing unfavorable statements are unconstitutional. These threats aim to coerce news coverage that favors President Trump. The First Amendment limits the FCC's authority to impose viewpoint-based restrictions on broadcasters. The 'public interest' standard does not permit the type of punishment Carr has threatened. His allegations of 'falsity' are seen as retaliation for policy disagreements and criticism of the Trump administration. There is a call for Carr to withdraw these threats.

Read at Electronic Frontier Foundation