FCC Opens Probe Into 'The View' — The Federal Communications Commission has launched an inquiry into whether ABC's daytime talk show violated equal-time obligations after a Democratic Texas Senate candidate appeared on the program. The Republican-led agency recently ruled that daytime and late-night talk shows are not automatically exempt from equal-time rules, and FCC Chair Brendan Carr had previously urged a review of whether "The View" complies. The probe could lead to requirements for broadcasters to provide comparable airtime to opposing candidates.
FCC Opens Probe Into ABC's 'The View' Over Possible Equal-Time Rule Violation
FILE PHOTO: Signage is seen at the headquarters of the Federal Communications Commission in Washington, D.C., U.S., August 29, 2020. REUTERS/Andrew Kelly/File Photo
WASHINGTON, Feb 7 (Reuters) — The Federal Communications Commission has opened an inquiry into whether ABC's daytime talk show The View breached equal-time rules after a Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate in Texas appeared on the program this week, a source told Reuters on Saturday.
Background
In a recent policy shift, the Republican-led FCC concluded that daytime and late-night television talk programs should no longer be automatically treated as "bona fide" news outlets exempt from equal-time obligations. Under these rules, broadcasters must provide comparable airtime to opposing political candidates when one candidate appears on a program.
Why This Inquiry Matters
The inquiry follows a September statement by FCC Chair Brendan Carr urging the agency to review whether The View complies with equal-time requirements. If the FCC determines the show violated the rules, the network could be required to provide additional airtime to competing candidates or face regulatory consequences.
What To Watch: The investigation could prompt broader scrutiny of how talk shows handle political appearances and whether additional guidance or enforcement actions are needed.
Reporting by David Shepardson
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