Just a question... Could knowingly broadcasting false information which could be detrimental to the effectiveness of a government body under a federally issued broadcast licence be considered treason?
Again... JUST a question...
I’m beginning to wonder if treason exists. As much of it seems to be around these days, and nothing ever seems to happen to counter it.
No. Article III, Section 3 of the Constitution provides a strict definition of Treason:
"Treason against the United States, shall consist only in levying War against them, or in adhering to their Enemies, giving them Aid and Comfort."
The operative phrases--"levying War," "adhering to their Enemies," and "giving them Aid and Comfort"--are construed very narrowly, and for good reason: the framers had just broken free from a situation where saying anything negative about the King could be considered Treason, and wanted to ensure that wouldn't happen here.
Depending on what a news organization published, there could hypothetically be other criminal charges available (sedition, maybe), but even that is highly unlikely. Publishing false information is typically treated as a civil matter, as libel/slander.