Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chair Brendan Carr has recently suggested that ABC's daytime talk show "The View" may come under the regulatory body's scrutiny concerning its adherence to federal broadcasting standards. During an appearance on Scott Jennings' podcast, Carr expressed doubts about the program's classification as a bona fide news show, which would typically exempt it from the FCC's equal time requirements for political candidates.
The FCC mandates that broadcast license holders offer equitable access to political candidates. However, bona fide news programs, news interviews, and documentaries are not bound by this rule. Carr emphasized the importance of examining shows like "The View" due to their blend of interviews, discussions, and entertainment, to ensure they still qualify for this exemption.
The conversation comes on the heels of Carr's critique of ABC post the suspension of Jimmy Kimmel's late-night show, where Kimmel made incorrect statements about the suspect in the assassination of Charlie Kirk. The FCC chair had publicly questioned whether broadcast networks are applying rules consistently, pointing out the difference in treatment between late-night shows, which normally qualify as news, and daytime talk shows which may not.
Data from the Media Research Center highlights a partisan slant on "The View." In the first half of 2025, the program reportedly featured 63 liberal guests, including nine Democratic politicians, while conservative voices were notably absent. A White House spokesperson had previously warned the network that continued bias could invite regulatory actions.
Industry experts suggest that ABC might need to revise the show’s format or incorporate conservative perspectives to meet potential FCC standards. An entertainment lawyer expressed that Carr's concerns are centered on ensuring that programs claiming to be news outlets do not unduly favor a political viewpoint.
This wouldn't be the first time Carr has addressed concerns regarding equal time compliance. In 2024, he criticized NBC's "Saturday Night Live" for featuring Vice President Kamala Harris close to an election, deeming it an overt attempt to skirt FCC rules. The Conservative Brief reported that NBC subsequently provided equal time to the Trump campaign.
The FCC's regulations target broadcast license holders, not cable or streaming services. Thus, programs like "The View," which interlace political commentary with interviews and entertainment, might soon undergo closer inspection to confirm if they continue to merit the bona fide news designation.
A formal review could alter the manner in which daytime talk shows approach political discussions and guest selection, especially with the 2026 midterm elections on the horizon. Carr's remarks underscore the ongoing scrutiny of media bias and the enforcement of federal broadcasting standards, raising questions about the future regulation of shows that occupy the space between news and entertainment.
