FCC Opens Public Comment on Whether ABC's The View Is a Bona Fide News Program

*TL;DR: The FCC Media Bureau has asked the public to weigh in on whether ABC’s *The View* qualifies as a bona‑fide news interview program, a determination that could trigger equal‑time obligations for the talk show.

Context The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is reviewing *The View* under the equal‑time rule, which requires broadcasters to give opposing political candidates comparable airtime on non‑news programs. The rule was created to stop stations from favoring one candidate over another. The FCC’s notice cites a congressional decision made decades ago to keep broadcast content from being used for partisan promotion.

Key Facts - The FCC Media Bureau issued a public notice inviting comments on whether *The View*’s format and guest selection are driven by newsworthiness or by an intent to support or oppose specific candidates. - The notice references the equal‑time rule’s purpose: to prevent broadcasters from “unfairly putting their thumbs on the scale” for any political contender. - Chairman Brendan Carr, who has pursued several investigations of ABC, is behind the move. In September 2025, Carr warned ABC that airing *Jimmy Kimmel Live!* might breach the rarely enforced news‑distortion policy, which bars broadcasters from presenting false information as news. - Carr also ordered a review of ABC’s licenses last month over alleged violations of anti‑discrimination rules tied to the network’s diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) practices.

What It Means If the FCC concludes that *The View* is not a bona‑fide news interview program, ABC could be required to provide equal airtime to opposing political candidates whenever the show features politically relevant content. That would force the network to either adjust its guest lineup, add counter‑programming, or risk penalties for violating the equal‑time rule. The public comment period gives viewers, advocacy groups, and industry stakeholders a chance to influence the outcome before the FCC makes a final ruling.

The broader implication is a potential shift in how talk shows are classified under broadcast regulations, especially as the FCC intensifies scrutiny of networks it deems politically biased. Watch for the FCC’s final determination and any subsequent policy changes that could reshape political coverage on daytime television.