ABC celebrated a surge in viewership for “The View” after featuring Vice President JD Vance. The episode attracted 3.3 million viewers, marking it as the most-watched in over a year and a half. This increase comes amid a dispute between Disney and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) about whether the show qualifies as a news program.
The disagreement revolves around the FCC’s equal time rule for political candidates. After Texas Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico appeared on “The View,” the FCC investigated ABC. The network claims the show is a news program and should be exempt from the rule.
ABC launched an on-air campaign to gather viewer support, urging them to tell the FCC to let audiences decide who can appear on the show. An advertisement emphasized the show’s long-standing tradition of hosting popular guests and criticized the FCC’s control. The campaign also extends online and across ABC’s social media.
The Media Research Center (MRC) sent a letter to the FCC claiming “The View” does not meet the standards for a news exemption. They provided evidence of bias in the show, arguing it promotes one political viewpoint.
The FCC stated networks must comply with equal opportunity requirements next to provisions in the Communications Act of 1934. Historically, bona fide news programs don’t need to give equal time to opposing candidates. The FCC now demands more evidence to classify any segment of talk shows as genuine news.
In response, ABC criticized the FCC’s approach, suggesting it threatens the First Amendment. “The View” has a reputation for critiquing Trump, with only two conservative guests out of 341 in 2025, according to a study.
While Vice President JD Vance’s appearance showed a boost in viewers, it remains to be seen if more Republicans will be featured. His visit included all six co-hosts: Whoopi Goldberg, Joy Behar, Sunny Hostin, Sara Haines, Alyssa Farah Griffin, and Ana Navarro.