The Federal Communications Commission is escalating its attack on ABC’s The View with a proceeding seeking public comment on whether the talk show is a “bona fide news interview program.” The move is driven by Chairman Brendan Carr, who has aligned the FCC with President Trump’s agenda, using the agency to target broadcasters Trump dislikes.
The FCC Media Bureau issued a public notice asking whether The View’s decisions on format and participants are “based on newsworthiness or on an attempt to oppose or support particular candidates.” The probe is part of a broader campaign against Disney-owned ABC, including threats to station licenses over Jimmy Kimmel’s show and a review of its DEI practices.
Democratic FCC Commissioner Anna Gomez condemned the move, stating the FCC is “targeting an administration critic by mob rule.”
The equal-time rule typically requires stations to give opposing political candidates equal airtime. However, The View received a bona fide news exemption from the FCC in 2002, a ruling ABC argues remains valid. The network has filed a petition asserting the FCC is overstepping its authority and violating First Amendment rights.
The public has until June 22 to submit initial comments, with reply comments due July 6.