ABC Pushes Back Against Federal Regulators
ABC continues to strongly resist efforts by federal regulators to reconsider whether its well-known talk show, “The View,” falls under equal time regulations. The network accused the Trump administration of stifling free speech as the conflict intensifies. In a new submission to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) made public on Tuesday, ABC argued the matter was settled by the commission over two decades ago.
FCC’s Review Process
The latest ABC filing, part of the FCC review process, featured “reply comments” supporting the network’s petition for a declaration that “The View” is a bona fide news program. This qualification would exempt it from equal time rules which mandate equal airtime for opposing political candidates. ABC pointed to a 2002 FCC decision affirming “The View” as a bona fide news show.
In a previous filing in May, ABC similarly accused the Trump administration of trying to suppress constitutionally protected free speech and disrupt open political discussion by revisiting “The View’s” classification.
Broader Implications of the Dispute
The ongoing dispute surrounding ‘The View’ has significant implications beyond the specific case. It’s part of a wider confrontation between U.S. media and the Trump White House concerning perceived attacks on free speech. President Trump has criticized media outlets that oppose his agenda. FCC chairman Brendan Carr suggested he intends to argue “The View” isn’t a bona fide news show. This could influence other programs blending entertainment with political content.
Public Comments and ABC’s Argument
Following the May filing, the FCC facilitated a public comment period. ABC’s Tuesday filing noted over 77,000 public comments, with the majority supporting “The View” and defending free speech. ABC stated that the First Amendment does not allow government control over editorial decisions, which the Commission appears to be assuming.
ABC contended that the core aspects of “The View” haven’t changed since the commission’s original resolution. However, the surrounding political climate has shifted. It argued that Carr’s FCC targeted daytime and late-night shows perceived as hostile to the current administration while ignoring other media, like talk radio, where candidates appear without opponents.
This discrepancy, ABC argued, signifies uneven regulation.
FCC’s Response
An FCC spokesperson suggested ABC misleads the public. “While ABC insists that ‘The View’ is a ‘bona fide news program’ under the law,” the spokesperson wrote, “ABC should prioritize fulfilling its public interest obligations over misleading the public about them.”
The administration’s criticism of “The View” parallels its dissatisfaction with late-night hosts critiquing Trump, notably ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel. Trump’s administration recently demanded Kimmel’s dismissal after a joke about Melania Trump, further highlighting tensions between Trump’s administration and media personalities.
Jocelyn Noveck covers media and entertainment for The Associated Press.
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