FCC Chairman Brendan Carr stated on Friday that he will leave the decision of whether television networks may broadcast the planned execution of convicted Fort Hood shooter Nidal Hasan to Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth.
Although the Pentagon has indicated the firing squad execution will be streamed live online—a platform outside the FCC’s regulatory reach—Carr acknowledged the historical precedent of broadcast networks airing live government proceedings. However, he maintained that his agency does not have jurisdiction in this instance.
“My understanding is it’s not on broadcast TV, so I don’t think there’s a role for the FCC one way or the other,” Carr told CNBC. “But I trust [the Pentagon’s decision].”
If it’s only online, then sure, why not let the military decide? Makes sense to me.
I’m surprised Carr deferred so quickly. Didn’t think he’d step back from this kind of controversy.
Does anyone else find it weird that we’re treating an execution like a broadcast event?
Wait, they are actually going to stream this live? That feels a bit extreme to me.
Good to know the FCC isn’t overstepping its bounds here. The Pentagon handles it.