ABC asks viewers to protest FCC attempt to “control who is allowed” onThe View

ABC is calling on its audience to voice their concerns to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regarding its attempts to regulate guest appearances on the popular talk show, 'The View.' A new commercial that began airing recently encourages viewers to respond to the FCC’s request for public comments on whether the show qualifies as a 'bona fide news interview program.' The ad emphasizes the long-standing role of 'The View' in engaging with viewers on significant issues, stating, "For nearly 30 years, 'The View' has featured your favorite guests and discussed topics that matter to you. Now, the FCC wants to dictate who can appear on the show. It’s time for you to speak up and let the FCC know that the audience should have the final say." Historically, the FCC has classified both daytime and late-night talk shows as bona fide news when it comes to their interview segments, allowing them to bypass the equal-time rule that mandates equal opportunities for political candidates on non-news programming. While many shows have sought exemptions from this rule to eliminate any ambiguity, notable figures like Phil Donahue and Sally Jessy Raphael have received such exemptions in the past. 'The View' itself was granted a bona fide news exemption by the FCC back in 2002 during President George W. Bush's administration. However, FCC Chairman Brendan Carr has recently shifted the commission's stance, proposing measures that could require 'The View' to adhere to equal-time mandates. This development follows an interview with Texas Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico that raised concerns within the FCC. A broad warning was subsequently issued to all broadcast stations against using daytime and late-night talk shows for partisan political activities. Notably, similar scrutiny has not been applied to the segments of conservative talk radio shows. The deadline for public comments is set for July 6, and viewers can submit their opinions via the FCC's official website.