The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has asked the public to weigh in on whether the daytime talk show The View qualifies as a 'bona fide news interview programme', which would exempt it from the equal time rule. FCC Chair Brendan Carr posed the question on X on Friday, following a petition from Disney-owned ABC arguing that the show meets the exemption criteria.
The equal time rule requires broadcasters to provide equivalent airtime to all legally qualified political candidates. However, the 'bona fide' exemption applies if a candidate appears based on newsworthiness rather than an intention to support or oppose a candidate. The FCC opened the debate for public comment, allowing individuals and groups to express their views.
The investigation into The View began in February after the show interviewed James Talarico, a Democratic candidate for the Texas Senate who won his primary. Carr told Fox News that Disney had not established the programme as bona fide news, prompting enforcement proceedings.
Separately, the FCC told ABC last month to apply for early renewal of its broadcast licenses, a move linked to an investigation into the company's diversity, equity, and inclusion practices. Carr, appointed by President Donald Trump, has also targeted late-night hosts Jimmy Kimmel and Stephen Colbert for on-air comments critical of the president.
