Tell the Senate to make FCC Chair Carr testify!

The FCC controls broadcast licenses. That power must never be used to punish protected speech. In recent days, FCC Chair Brendan Carr has publicly criticized ABC and its affiliates over Jimmy Kimmel Live! — then praised station groups that kept the show off the air — while floating the idea of targeting other ABC programming. Members of the Senate are now demanding answers. 

On September 17, Carr appeared on a podcast and warned that continuing to air Kimmel could bring “fines or license revocation,” telling broadcasters, “We can do this the easy way or the hard way.” Within days, affiliates preempted the show. Then Carr publicly applauded major groups that refused to return Kimmel to air — even after Disney lifted the suspension. Senators have formally pressed Carr for answers about potential coercion and misuse of regulatory power.

This isn’t about liking a joke. It’s about whether the government can chill speech it doesn’t like. Legal experts and observers warn the threats — and the appearance of retaliation — risk a serious First Amendment violation, and commentators have connected Carr’s stance to a broader agenda to police critical voices. Congress must investigate in public, under oath, and reaffirm that the FCC is not a speech police.

Add your name: Tell the Senate to compel Carr to testify.

Thanks,
Mary