Brendan Carr says he’ll let Pete Hegseth decide whether TV networks can air the public execution

<figure> <img alt="Digital photo illustration of FCC chair Brendan Carr." data-caption="" data-portal-copyright="Image: Cath Virginia / The Verge, Getty Images" data-has-syndication-rights="1" src="https://platform.theverge.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/chorus/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25840497/STKP211_BRENDAN_CARR_B.jpg?quality=90&#038;strip=all&#038;crop=0,0,100,100" /> <figcaption> </figcaption> </figure> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">FCC chairman Brendan Carr said he will defer to Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth on whether TV networks can air the planned execution of convicted Fort Hood shooter Nidal Hasan by firing squad.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">The Pentagon has said <a href="https://www.theverge.com/tech/1008530/us-government-livestream-execution-firing-squad-fort-hood">the execution will be livestreamed</a>, suggesting it'll appear on an online platform beyond the FCC's jurisdiction. But it's common for broadcast TV networks to air live video of government events, and Carr's agency does have a say over what happens on 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 href="https://www.cnbc.com/video/2026/10/09/fcc-chairman-brendan-carr-on-pentagons-plans-for-a-public-livestreamed-execution.html">a CNBC interview</a> today. "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>