GoKawiilFCC's Carr warns broadcasters over airing 'fake polls'
FCC Chairman Brendan Carr posted on X warning broadcasters against airing polls he called fake, saying such coverage could violate rules against news distortion or broadcast hoaxes. He did not name any specific polls or broadcasters, but urged outlets to give viewers more context when covering polls.
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The warning echoes complaints President Trump has made about polling and media coverage, including an August demand that the FCC act against 'fake polls' and a journalist's remarks. Former FCC chairs and commissioners, both Republican and Democrat, have said Carr's approach amounts to pressuring broadcasters into self-censorship, a concern that gains weight given his separate push against ABC-owned stations' licenses.
- FCC Chair Brendan Carr warned broadcasters against airing unscientific 'fake polls' without naming specific examples.
- The warning follows Trump's past demands that the FCC punish media over polling coverage.
- Former FCC leaders from both parties say Carr's actions risk chilling broadcaster speech through license threats.
Source: arstechnica.com, 2026-10-21
Published there as: “FCC chair warns media not to run the "fake polls" Trump keeps complaining about”
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