FCC chairman Brendan Carr has decided to defer to the Pentagon’s Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth on the decision to broadcast the planned public execution of Nidal Hasan by firing squad.
The Pentagon intends to livestream the event, but the FCC does not have jurisdiction over online platforms where the execution might be streamed. However, common practice for broadcast TV networks to air government events means the FCC’s role is still up for debate.
Carr stated, "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. 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."
The decision-making process reflects a complex interplay between government agencies and the broadcasting industry, with the potential for similar situations to arise in the future.
The Verge has inquired of major tech companies such as YouTube, Twitch, Meta and X, but as of now, no responses have been received regarding their platforms.







