Trump FCC asks public to comment on whether ABC’sThe Viewis a news show

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is intensifying its scrutiny of ABC’s talk show, The View, by launching a public inquiry into whether it can be classified as a legitimate news interview program. The FCC's Media Bureau has issued a public notice soliciting feedback from the audience on whether The View meets the criteria for the bona fide news exemption under the equal-time rule, which mandates equal airtime for political candidates in non-news broadcasts. This investigation, spearheaded by Chairman Brendan Carr, follows President Trump's assertion that the FCC is no longer an impartial body. Carr has leveraged his position to initiate inquiries into media outlets that the former president has criticized. According to the Media Bureau's notice, Congress implemented regulations to prevent broadcast television from being exploited for partisan political advantage. The equal-time rule aims to ensure fairness in political broadcasting, allowing no candidate to gain undue exposure at the expense of their opponents. The FCC's request for public commentary specifically asks whether decisions made by The View regarding its format and guest selections are driven by journalistic standards or if they are intended to support or oppose specific political figures, as defined by existing FCC guidelines. This investigation is not the first instance of Carr's focus on ABC. In September 2025, he raised concerns about potential violations of the rarely enforced news distortion policy in relation to Jimmy Kimmel’s show. Moreover, last month, he initiated an unusual review of ABC’s broadcasting licenses, alleging that the network’s diversity, equity, and inclusion practices may infringe upon anti-discrimination regulations.