Washington FCC targets ABC’s ‘The View’ status
Tap title to read story
The U.S. Federal Communications Commission is preparing a series of rulings that could affect Walt Disney Company’s ABC television operations, according to people familiar with the process. The FCC, led by Chairman Brendan Carr, is expected to formally determine that ABC’s daytime talk show “The View” is not a bona fide news program, likely before the Labor Day holiday in September 2026. That move would remove the show’s exemption from federal equal-time rules for political candidates, requiring ABC stations to offer comparable airtime to opposing candidates. Separately, the FCC plans to refer its investigation of Disney’s ABC broadcast licenses to an administrative law judge, potentially affecting eight major-market stations.
More context
Timeline
- Communications Act enacted, sets equal-time framework
- Brendan Carr becomes FCC chairman, oversees enforcement
- FCC begins reviewing ABC news classifications
- FCC opens investigation into Disney broadcast licenses
- By early 2026 internal reclassification deliberations intensify
- Before Labor Day 2026 ruling on ‘The View’ expected
- Simultaneously license case sent to administrative judge
- ABC stations in eight markets face heightened scrutiny
Why it matters
If the FCC rules against "The View," ABC must offer equal airtime to opposing political candidates. This could change the content you see on your local ABC station. Keep an eye on your favorite shows for possible shifts in programming.
JQJO Editorial Desk · Human reviewed · AI assisted. Report a correction.
