Republicans largely excluded from progressive talk shows as FCC seeks to address bias

FCC Orders Broadcast Networks to Provide Equal Opportunities for All Candidates

Following new regulations from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), liberal talk shows on three major broadcast networks may need to adjust their approach. The FCC recently stated that ABC, CBS, and NBC must adhere to “statutory equal opportunity requirements,” which involve including Republican candidates during late-night and daytime talk shows, as mandated by the Communications Act of 1934.

The FCC clarified that under Section 315, if any broadcast station permits a legally qualified candidate for public office to utilize its facilities, it is required to offer equal opportunities to all other legally qualified candidates as well.

Shows like “Jimmy Kimmel Live!”, “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert,” and “Late Night with Seth Meyers,” along with daytime programming like “The View,” have historically skewed Democratic. In fact, data from the Media Research Center reveals that in 2025, almost all politicians appearing on these four shows were Democrats, with only one Republican guest across the board.

During 2025, not a single Republican appeared on any of the late-night programs, while Colbert led with a notable 25 Democratic guests. Kimmel had 10 appearances, and Meyers had three.

“The View” featured 20 active Democratic politicians that same year, and the only Republican to make an appearance was Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, who has since retired and is a frequent critic of Trump.

In terms of interviews, Rep. Jasmine Crockett from Texas had the most appearances among active Democrats, with five slots across various shows. Others, like Sen. Elizabeth Warren and former Vice President Kamala Harris, also made significant contributions to the commentary landscape during their promotional activities.

It appears that potential candidates for the 2028 election, such as governors and senators, are also looking to appear on talk shows to boost their profiles.

Interestingly, the active Democratic roster does not even encompass notable former Presidents like Joe Biden and Bill Clinton, nor former first lady Michelle Obama.

FCC Chairman Brendan Carr highlighted that traditional television networks have long viewed daytime and late-night shows as part of their obligations to provide news content, even if politically motivated. He emphasized the necessity for equal opportunity among candidates.

Colbert has criticized the new FCC guidance, claiming it aims to suppress diverse political discourse on his show, while Kimmel expressed concerns about the challenges posed by “Trump’s henchmen at the FCC.” Both hosts voiced their frustrations over these new restrictions and its implications for their ability to present various political viewpoints.