The US broadcast regulator threatens media outlets with license loss over coverage of the Middle East war, following criticism from President Trump.

WASHINGTON: The top US broadcast regulator has threatened media outlets over their coverage of the Middle East war. The warning follows President Donald Trump criticising critical headlines from what he calls the “Fake News Media.”

Federal Communications Commission chairman Brendan Carr said broadcasters risked losing their licenses. “The law is clear. Broadcasters must operate in the public interest, and they will lose their licenses if they do not,” Carr said in a post on X.

He stated broadcasters running “hoaxes and news distortions” must correct course. Carr’s statement included a Trump social media post calling out a headline on Iran strikes in Saudi Arabia.

The free speech group FIRE slammed Carr’s warning as “outrageous.” “When the government demands the press become a state mouthpiece under the threat of punishment, something has gone very wrong,” it said on X.

Since strikes on Iran began, Trump and Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth have dismissed critical stories. Both the Pentagon and White House criticised broadcaster CNN on Friday over a story on Iran’s capabilities.

Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt called the CNN story “100% FAKE NEWS.” Carr previously threatened ABC‘s license over comments by host Jimmy Kimmel.

ABC briefly pulled Kimmel’s show before it returned to air. The president has long derided mainstream media and sued major outlets.

 The Sun Malaysia