FCC Will Defer to Defense Department on Televised Execution Coverage, Chairman Says

Federal Communications Commission Chairman Brendan Carr said the agency will defer to Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth on whether broadcast television networks may air the scheduled execution of convicted Fort Hood shooter Nidal Hasan by firing squad, as reported by The Verge (https://www.theverge.com/policy/1008950/fcc-brendan-carr-pete-hegseth-execution-tv-networks-air).

The Pentagon has stated plans to livestream the execution online, which places the initial transmission on internet platforms outside the FCC’s direct broadcast oversight. However, broadcast networks frequently carry live video feeds of federal proceedings, raising questions about whether airing the footage on public airwaves would prompt regulatory scrutiny.

Speaking in an interview on CNBC, Carr said he currently sees no direct role for the commission given the planned web format. "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 said. "But I trust Secretary Hegseth. He’s implemented the laws and the regulations that are relevant to the Department of War, and I think he’s doing a great job, and I trust that he’s making the right call on these issues."

Asked whether broadcast stations would be permitted to carry the feed if the Defense Department chose to authorize television access, Carr maintained that the decision lies entirely with the Pentagon. "Ultimately we’re going to defer to Secretary Hegseth and his decisions on how to move forward with this," Carr said.

Major online video and social media platforms—including YouTube, Twitch, Meta, and X—did not respond to requests for comment regarding whether hosting the livestream would comply with their platform moderation policies.