1. United States
2. Wash.
3. Letter

I am writing as a constituent to express serious concern about recent reports that Brendan Carr, chair of the Federal Communications Commission, has suggested that television broadcasters could face license consequences if their coverage of the Iran war does not “correct course.” These comments reportedly followed criticism from Donald Trump regarding media reporting on the conflict. Any suggestion that the federal government might use licensing authority to pressure news organizations over editorial decisions raises profound constitutional concerns. The ability of journalists and broadcasters to report freely—without fear of government retaliation—is a cornerstone of the First Amendment to the United States Constitution and an essential safeguard in a democratic society. Broadcast licenses exist to manage the use of public spectrum, not to give the government leverage over news content. Even the appearance of regulatory intimidation can create a chilling effect that discourages accurate and independent reporting, particularly during wartime when the public most needs reliable information. For these reasons, I respectfully urge you to: 1. Publicly reaffirm Congress’s commitment to protecting the freedom of the press. 2. Speak out clearly against any attempt to use federal regulatory power to influence or punish lawful news coverage. 3. Conduct appropriate oversight of the Federal Communications Commission to ensure that licensing authority is never used as a tool of political pressure. The United States has long distinguished itself by maintaining a clear separation between government authority and the independence of the press. It is vital that our elected officials defend that principle clearly and unequivocally. I would appreciate hearing your position on this issue and learning what steps you plan to take to protect the integrity of the First Amendment and the independence of American journalism. Thank you for your attention to this matter and for your service to our state.