Washington, Mar 15 (V7N) — The head of the US Broadcasting Regulatory Authority, Branden Carr, has issued a warning to media outlets regarding their coverage of the ongoing conflict involving Iran, sparking widespread criticism from politicians and free speech advocates.

Carr posted on X that broadcasters must avoid airing “rumors and distorted news,” describing it as an “opportunity to correct” reporting before license renewals. Observers say the warning implicitly pressures media to provide favorable coverage of the war.

California Governor Gavin Newsom condemned the warning as “clearly unconstitutional.” Hawaii Senator Brian Schatz called it a direct attempt to influence media coverage, writing on social media: “This is basically a clear directive—give positive coverage of the war, or your license may not be renewed.”

Democratic politicians and free expression activists likened Carr’s statement to censorship, highlighting growing concerns about media freedom in the US amid heightened tensions over the Iran conflict.

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