ABC Challenges FCC Over ‘The View’s’ Equal Time Rules Exemption

ABC is strongly opposing federal regulators’ attempts to reassess if its talk show “The View” should adhere to equal time rules. The network claims that the Trump administration aims to stifle free speech amid this ongoing conflict. ABC recently filed a response with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), disclosed on Tuesday, asserting that the commission already settled this issue over twenty years ago.

In its filing, ABC requested a declaratory ruling to confirm “The View” as a bona fide news program, exempting it from equal time rules. These rules require giving competing political candidates equal airtime. ABC referred to a 2002 FCC decision that classified “The View” as a news program.

The latest filing from ABC follows a similar one in May, where they accused the Trump administration of suppressing free speech and political discourse by reopening this issue. This discussion involves broader implications for media freedoms, amidst what many journalists see as President Trump’s assaults on free speech.

Brendan Carr, Trump’s FCC chairman, suggested arguing “The View” does not qualify as a bona fide news program. This decision may impact other shows merging entertainment with politics. As part of the review, the FCC opened public comments, receiving over 77,000 responses. Most supported “The View” and free speech.

The First Amendment does not permit the government to sit in an editor’s chair. Yet that is the seat the Commission now proposes to take … deciding which broadcast programs qualify as legitimate news and, for those it finds wanting, compelling them to surrender their airtime to guests they never chose to feature.

ABC argues the commission overstepped its bounds by questioning the show’s editorial content, a domain reserved for broadcasters and audiences. According to the network, the political climate has shifted, not “The View” itself.

ABC also highlighted how Carr’s FCC targeted shows seen as critical of the administration, while ignoring talk radio where candidates appear without opponents. They claim this approach lacks impartiality.

An FCC spokesperson suggested ABC was misleading the public. They advised ABC to ensure compliance with public interest obligations instead of creating misunderstandings.

The administration’s critiquing of “The View” mirrors its stance on late-night hosts criticizing Trump, especially concerning remarks made by ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel. Recent comments by Donald and Melania Trump called for Kimmel’s firing over a joke about their age difference.