ABC has launched a television advertising campaign urging fans of The View to submit public comments to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), as the network fights what it calls a threat to free speech. The campaign, which began on Monday, follows the FCC's decision to order Disney, ABC's parent company, to file license renewal applications for eight of its stations years ahead of schedule.
The ad encourages viewers to “tell the FCC to let the viewers decide” by scanning a QR code linking to the FCC's website, where comments must be submitted by July 6. The spot states: “The View has welcomed your favorite guests for nearly 30 years. Now the FCC wants to control who is allowed to appear on the show. Viewers, use your voice.”
The FCC's actions stem from an investigation into whether The View violated the equal time rule, which requires broadcasters to provide equal opportunities to all legitimate political candidates. The probe was triggered after the show interviewed James Talarico, a Texas Senate candidate who later won the Democratic primary. The View has applied for a “bona fide news” exemption, which would allow it to host candidates without triggering equal time obligations.
FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, appointed by President Trump, has been a vocal critic of legacy media. On Fox News, he said: “The days that these legacy media broadcasters get to decide what we can say, what we can think, who we can vote for are over.” The FCC ordered ABC to renew its licenses early, citing an investigation into Disney's diversity, equity, and inclusion practices.
ABC formally submitted the renewal applications last month, arguing in its filing that the early request was “an extraordinary demonstration of power and coercion directed at disfavored editorial voices” and “a threat to the First Amendment.” An FCC spokesperson responded, saying: “Disney wants the FCC to classify The View as a 'bona fide news program.' And it has chosen to run a campaign of misinformation to make its case—misleading viewers about the law. That is a choice.”
