Trump Calls For 'Fake News' Networks To Have Licenses Revoked by FCC

8.25.25
U.S. President Donald Trump on Sunday called the ABC and NBC networks two of the "most biased" broadcasters ever and said the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) should revoke their licenses. As during his first stint in the White House—marked by repeated attacks on the "fake news" press—Trump's second term has featured similar run-ins with media institutions and practices. Shortly after taking office, Trump implemented media changes affecting the White House press pool and access. He has frequently used the phrase "fake news" to dismiss unfavorable coverage and has been outspoken in his support for and criticism of specific outlets. Trump's attacks have raised concerns among some in the industry who fear that access to truthful reporting will become increasingly difficult as credentials are revoked and outlets too favorable of the president may not provide full and impartial coverage. Media outlets promote a healthy democracy by providing the public with fact-checked information, particularly on those in power, and offering essential context. "They should lose their Licenses for their unfair coverage of Republicans and/or Conservatives, but at a minimum, they should pay up BIG for having the privilege of using the most valuable airwaves anywhere at anytime!!!" the president wrote.

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Rogue Valley said:

Trump calls for "fake news" networks to have licenses revoked by FCC

Trump also asked why networks weren't paying "millions of dollars" in license fees.

www.newsweek.com

One of the first things the Trump administration did in Washington was to pack White House pressers with journalists from media outlets friendly to Trump and MAGA. That is why we rarely hear tough or embarassing questions from the WH press corps anymore.

Donald Trump used the Federal Communications Commission to extort the owner CBS/Paramount - Shari Redstone - who was seeking FCC permission for a $8 billion merger with Skydance. Content changes will be coming to the new merged company.

Trump is signaling his FCC to revoke the broadcast licenses of the ABC and NBC networks. This is how Russia lost its independent media. All independent networks/media were either closed or their staff fled Russia to avoid prison for criticising Putin.

Trump policies are deeply unpopular with Americans. To blunt on-air criticism, Trump is looking to either extort or force the closure of select broadcast networks. You don't see Trump demanding that the FCC revoke the broadcast license of FOX.

Donald Trump's approval rating goes underwater on every issue

Trump's declining approval ratings on the economy, immigration, and foreign policy signal potential trouble for his broader agenda.

www.newsweek.com

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Stealers Wheel said:

Once again, broadcast networks do not have FCC licenses. Therefore, they will not have their licenses revoked by the FCC.

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Rogue Valley said:

The FCC has been issuing television broadcast licenses since 1934.

I believe each of the local affilliate stations in the network must possess a FCC license. Normally good for 8 years.

Cable networks must negotiate with ASCAP for license terms.

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