ABC Faces FCC Scrutiny Over “The View”

The Media Research Center (MRC) is pushing the idea that ABC’s “The View” operates more like a political campaign than a legitimate news interview program. This assertion comes as the network is currently engaged in a dispute with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regarding equal time for political candidates.

Earlier this year, the FCC began investigating “The View” after Texas Democratic Senator James Tallarico appeared on the show, prompting concerns about equal time regulations for political figures. In response, Disney initiated an on-air campaign encouraging viewers to support the show, but the MRC argues that it fails to meet the “honest news” standard that would exempt it from equal-time rules.

David Bozell, the chairman of MRC, stated in a letter to FCC Division Director Maria Muraki that for almost four decades, the MRC has served as a media watchdog against activism in newsrooms and tech platforms. He asserted that “The View” is in a unique position to respond to the Commission’s request related to ABC’s claims of being a bona fide news program.

ABC Advocates for “The View” Amid FCC Investigation

Bozell continued, arguing that ABC’s claim about “The View” being a legit news program is fundamentally flawed. He noted that, while it may have qualified for such an exemption in the past, the current evidence indicates that the program has been politically driven for years, thus disqualifying it under the law.

He added that the MRC possesses documentation proving that “The View” acts as a partisan outlet supporting Democratic priorities. Furthermore, Bozell claimed ABC misrepresented the program when petitioning the FCC, misusing First Amendment case law while downplaying the serious consequences of censorship.

As part of the petition, the MRC plans to present 2,473 pieces of evidence showcasing “The View’s” biases and its occasional campaigning behavior, Bozell mentioned.

The 18-page letter contends that ABC News shows focus more on political objectives rather than genuine newsworthiness. Bozell cited examples like co-host Whoopi Goldberg encouraging viewers on Election Day, illustrating the program’s partisan slant.

FCC Investigates ABC’s “The View” for Equal Time Violations

Bozell has indicated that the MRC has produced findings that demonstrate “The View” consistently promotes Democratic candidates and avoids featuring guests who could negatively impact their electoral success.

He concluded that while “The View” is welcome to exist as a show, it should not benefit from public resources if it doesn’t function as an impartial news outlet.

ABC has yet to respond to requests for comment on this matter.

ABC Pushes Back Against FCC’s Investigation

ABC has initiated its own campaign, claiming that “The View” has featured favorite guests for nearly three decades and suggesting that the FCC is overstepping by trying to dictate who appears on the show. It urges viewers to weigh in by July 6.

The FCC has emphasized that no evidence supports the notion that current talk shows qualify for the “bona fide” news exemption, despite a long-standing exception for some news programs.

Interestingly, none of the six hosts on “The View,” including Alyssa Farrar Griffin, a nominal conservative from the Trump administration, have endorsed Trump for the upcoming 2024 election. However, the show has recently hosted political guests leaning left, including a lengthy interview with Vice President J.D. Vance.