FCC Chairman Brendan Carr defers decision on airing execution to Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth

<figure> <img alt="Digital photo illustration of FCC chair Brendan Carr." src="https://platform.theverge.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/chorus/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25840497/STKP211_BRENDAN_CARR_B.jpg?quality=90&amp;strip=all&amp;crop=0,0,100,100" /> <figcaption> </figcaption> </figure> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">FCC Chairman Brendan Carr stated that he will defer to Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth regarding whether television networks can broadcast the planned execution of convicted Fort Hood shooter Nidal Hasan by firing squad.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">The Pentagon has indicated that the execution will be livestreamed, which suggests it will be available on an online platform outside of the FCC's jurisdiction. However, it is common for broadcast television networks to air live footage of government events, and the FCC does have authority over public airwaves.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">"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 in a CNBC interview on October 9, 2026. "But I trust …</p> <p><a href="https://www.theverge.com/policy/1008950/fcc-brendan-carr-pete-hegseth-execution-tv-networks-air">Read the full story at The Verge.</a></p>