ABC is actively contesting efforts by federal regulators to revisit the applicability of equal time rules to its popular talk show, “The View.” The network, accusing the Trump administration of attempting to suppress free speech, submitted a new filing to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) on Tuesday. ABC contends that the FCC resolved this issue over two decades ago.
This latest filing was necessary as part of the FCC’s review process. ABC’s submission, “reply comments” supporting its petition for a declaratory ruling, argues that “The View” qualifies as a bona fide news program. The network references a 2002 FCC decision stating the show is exempt from equal time rules, which require providing equal airtime to political candidates.
ABC’s May filing accused the Trump administration of suppressing its constitutionally protected free speech by questioning “The View”’s status. This dispute highlights a larger conflict between the U.S. media and the Trump administration over perceived attacks on free speech. Trump has criticized media outlets that oppose his agenda. FCC Chairman Brendan Carr plans to argue against “The View” as a bona fide news program, affecting similar shows combining politics and entertainment.
Following ABC’s May filing, the FCC opened a public comment period on this issue. ABC noted that over 77,000 public comments were submitted, with a majority supporting “The View” and free speech. “The First Amendment does not allow the government to act as an editor,” argued ABC. They added that this issue is about whether a federal regulator can override a broadcaster’s editorial decisions.
ABC claims nothing about “The View” has changed legally since the commission last addressed this two decades ago. According to ABC, the political climate is what has shifted. They allege that the FCC, under Carr’s leadership, targets daytime and late-night shows seen as unfriendly to the current administration, leaving talk radio unexamined. ABC argues this approach is not evenhanded regulation.
An FCC spokesperson responded to ABC’s claims by suggesting the network misleads its audience. They stated, while ABC claims “The View” is a legit news program, it should focus on public interest obligations.
This criticism of “The View” by the administration echoes its dissatisfaction with late-night hosts critical of Trump, specifically ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel. Donald and Melania Trump recently called for Kimmel’s removal following a joke about the first lady.
Jocelyn Noveck reports on media and entertainment intersections for the Associated Press.