The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) criticized Disney’s efforts to gain public backing during the agency’s investigations into ‘The View’ and ABC’s broadcast licenses. This marks another chapter in Disney’s conflict with regulatory authorities.
In February, the FCC, led by Trump-appointee Brendan Carr, began examining whether ‘The View’ breached equal-time regulations following the appearance of James Talarico, a Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate in Texas. ‘The View,’ which started in 1997, features a panel of female hosts who engage with politicians and celebrities.
In response, ABC initiated a campaign to garner viewer support against what it perceives as threats to free speech. The network’s on-air announcements urge the public to lobby the FCC to allow audience choice in programming. An ad states, “‘The View’ has featured your favorite guests and tackled significant issues for nearly 30 years. Now the FCC wants to dictate show appearances. Use your voice. Scan this QR code by July 6.”
The FCC responded to ABC’s campaign, accusing Disney of spreading misinformation to argue that ‘The View’ should be considered a ‘bona fide news program.’ The spokesperson claimed this approach misleads viewers regarding legal realities.
Per FCC rules, ‘bona fide’ news programs are exempt from equal-time mandates, which usually require broadcasters to fairly represent political candidates. Carr expressed skepticism on social media about labeling ‘The View’ as such, a designation he noted would shield it from equality requirements set by Congress long ago.
ABC contended in a May FCC submission that ‘The View,’ through a long-standing exemption, is recognized as a ‘bona fide news program.’ The submission was submitted for KTRK-TV, ABC’s Houston station, which had to formally question ‘The View’s’ exemption status.
ABC asserted in the 52-page document that personal dislikes of ‘The View’s’ content should not warrant regulatory suppression. Previously, the FCC directed Disney’s TV stations to expedite their license renewals, unrelatedly linked to a joke on Jimmy Kimmel’s program about Melania Trump. Carr maintains the license review is not driven by free speech concerns but focuses on Disney’s diversity and inclusion practices.