FCC Chairman Brendan Carr says ABC’s decision not to carry President Donald Trump’s July 16 election-security speech live will likely be considered during the FCC’s ongoing review of ABC’s broadcast station licenses. Carr made the comments as the FCC continues work tied to broadcast licensing and renewal processes. According to multiple outlets, Carr indicated that the matter could come up early in the agency’s review, rather than being treated as unrelated to licensing.
During the speech, Trump urged that ABC and NBC—networks that did not air the address—should lose their broadcast licenses. Carr’s remarks reflect his view that broadcasters may be required to carry presidential comments live on government-licensed airwaves, and he suggested the FCC would take ABC’s conduct into account when evaluating its licenses.
The reports describe Carr’s position without detailing any formal FCC action or final determination at this stage. The FCC review remains underway, and the outlets agree that Carr expects the issue to be raised as part of that process.
