Federal Communications Commission Chair Brendan Carr has clarified that his recent threat to revoke broadcast licenses wasn't aimed at media coverage of Iran's war but rather at 'hoaxes and news distortions.'

In a statement to The Verge, Carr admitted the confusion, saying: “Maybe we will, maybe we won’t, as the big guy would say.” This cryptic response has left many scratching their heads, wondering if Carr is hinting at future threats or just playing games with words.

During an event hosted by FGS and Semafor, Carr maintained he had no plans to pull licenses for broadcasters and was merely emphasizing that 'the law is clear.' He stressed: “Broadcasters must operate in the public interest, and they will lose their licenses if they do not.’

Carr also addressed recent regulatory decisions, including a ban on US-made routers, stating he believes his actions are legally sound despite ongoing legal challenges. Amidst these developments, Carr acknowledged a shift in tech platforms' policies, indicating a decrease in calls for further FCC intervention.

Reflecting on the broader landscape of media regulation, Carr concluded that while content-based regulations may be necessary, it's ultimately about 'conduct.' He insisted: ‘It’s when you have market power, or when you abuse that market power in a way that stifles individual liberty, I think that potentially creates the basis for regulation.’