The FCC has the authority to intervene in media broadcasts to stop propaganda.

What we found

Contradicts. The FCC's news distortion policy reaches only 'deliberate' falsification, and the statute bars censorship, so the agency has no general power to stop propaganda as such.[4]

Contradicts. The FCC does not have jurisdiction over websites, which limits any intervention to licensed broadcasters.[1]

Supports. The Communications Act of 1934 gives the FCC extensive authority over broadcasters, including licensing and enforcing a prohibition on news distortion and a public-interest mandate.[4]

Supports. FCC Chairman Carr cited the FCC's public-interest obligation and news distortion rules in warning broadcasters about content, showing the agency asserts authority over broadcast content.[2][3]

Supports. Reuters reports the FCC has jurisdiction over broadcast radio and TV stations, and lawmakers asked it to investigate Russian government-funded propaganda aired on a licensed station.[1]

Context. Broadcast content rules are subject to First Amendment limits, and the scope of FCC authority over broadcaster speech is contested, as the Kimmel episode shows.[2][4]

Sources

4 sources: 3 fact-checkers, 1 primary

1. 1Lawmakers want watchdog to probe Russian radio's ... - Reutersreuters.com · fact-checker · cited for: contradicts, supports
2. 2Key question in the Jimmy Kimmel case: Does the FCC have the ...politifact.com · fact-checker · cited for: supports, context
3. 3Trump team applying pressure to media: Tell the war's story the way we see itapnews.com · fact-checker · cited for: supports
4. 4Communications Act of 1934congress.gov · primary source · cited for: contradicts, supports, context

Where this claim was made

Said in 1 published post

• The Kuhner Report · Oct 7, 2026“I think the FCC now has to step in and say, "Listen, you guys are out of control."”Post →