The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) criticized Disney for seeking public support as the agency investigates ‘The View’ and ABC’s broadcast licenses. The tension marks the latest clash between Disney and regulators.
Appointed by Trump, FCC Chair Brendan Carr announced in February a probe into ‘The View’ regarding potential violations of equal-time rules after an interview with James Talarico, a Democratic candidate in Texas’s U.S. Senate race. ‘The View,’ which began airing in 1997, is famed for its panel of female co-hosts who dialogue with politicians and celebrities.
ABC responded by launching a campaign urging viewers to defend their program content choice. An ad campaign calls on the public to petition the FCC, emphasizing, “let the viewers decide” their airwaves content.
“‘The View’ has welcomed your favorite guests and covered issues you’ve cared about for nearly 30 years,” a voice-over mentions in one commercial. “Now the FCC wants to control who is allowed to appear on the show. Viewers, use your voice. Scan this QR code. You have until July 6.”
Reacting to ABC’s new campaign, an FCC spokesperson criticized Disney’s approach. ‘Disney wants the FCC to classify ‘The View’ as a ‘bona fide news program,’ using misinformation to support its stance, misleading viewers about the law,’ the spokesperson stated.
Under FCC rules, ‘bona fide’ news programs are exempt from equal-time provisions, typically requiring broadcasters to extend similar opportunities to rival political candidates. Carr commented on social media, questioning if ‘The View’ qualifies as bona fide news, clarifying that such a status would free it from equal-time mandates established by Congress.
In May, ABC argued through an FCC filing on behalf of KTRK-TV in Houston, asserting its exemption from the equal-time rule, granted over two decades ago. ABC contends that ‘The View’ has long been recognized as a bona fide news show.
ABC’s document asserts, “Some may dislike certain—or even most—viewpoints shared on ‘The View’ or similar shows. However, dislike alone cannot justify using regulations to curb those views.”
The FCC ordered the early filing of broadcast license renewals for Disney’s eight television stations in April, amid disputes involving ABC, including a controversy linked to a joke by host Jimmy Kimmel about Melania Trump. Carr clarified the license review arises from an assessment of Disney’s diversity, equity, and inclusion policies, separate from free speech concerns.
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