FCC Cracks Down on Talk Shows for Equal Candidate Treatment
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is stepping up its oversight of partisan talk shows, ensuring that political candidates receive equal airtime. On Wednesday, the FCC instructed the major broadcast networks to comply with “statutory equal opportunity requirements,” specifically highlighting late-night and daytime talk shows, as per the Communications Act of 1934.
According to the FCC, “Under Section 315, if a broadcast station allows a legally qualified candidate for public office to use its facilities, it must provide equal opportunity to all other legally qualified candidates for public office,” the agency noted in a press release.
While there has been a long-standing “bona fide” exception for news programs that might not require equivalent airtime for opponents, the FCC asserts that “no evidence has been presented that the interview segments of currently airing late-night or daytime television talk show programs qualify for the ‘bona fide’ news exemption.” The agency added, “Programs with partisan motivations do not qualify for the exemption based on FCC precedent.” Those looking for formal assurance that these requirements do not apply are urged to file a motion for a declaratory award to meet legal standards for a bona fide news exemption.
FCC Chairman Brendan Carr mentioned on social media that traditional networks have for years treated late-night and daytime talk shows as “bona fide news” programming, even if driven by partisan goals. “Today, the FCC reminded us of our obligation to provide equal opportunity to all candidates,” he stated.
This directive may notably impact shows like ABC’s “The View,” NBC’s “Late Night with Seth Meyers,” and “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” among others. These programs might face challenges in balancing their guest appearances.
A recent study by the Media Research Center highlighted that “The View” hosted 128 liberal guests in 2025 but featured only two conservatives. The identified conservatives were actress Cheryl Hines and former congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene, who has had a contentious relationship with fellow Republicans.
As liberal late-night hosts rolled out the welcome mat for Democratic figures, the Media Research Center found many Democrats appeared on these shows, whereas Republican representation was almost nonexistent.
