Federal Investigation Into “The View” Over Equal Time Rules
The popular talk show “The View” is now facing a federal investigation. This scrutiny revolves around allegations that they violated “equal time” regulations for political candidates, following an interview with Texas Democrat James Talarico.
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is looking into this matter, just weeks after they issued new guidance regarding the “statutory equal opportunity requirements,” which fall under the Communications Act of 1934. Interestingly, this guidance is said to also apply to both daytime and late-night talk shows.
The investigation gained attention after Talarico’s recent appearance on the show, which occurred on a Monday. It’s worth noting that this was first reported by Fox News Digital.
In the competitive landscape of U.S. Senate primaries, Talarico is up against Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-Texas). It’s becoming quite the race, especially with several Republicans vying for the same seat. Notably, Crockett herself had appeared on “The View” the month prior, just before the FCC’s announcement regarding “Equality Time.”
On the Republican side, incumbent Senator John Cornyn (R-Texas), along with Attorney General Ken Paxton and Rep. Wesley Hunt (R-Texas), are all trying to secure their spot in the nomination. If the FCC decides against ABC and Disney, these candidates could potentially qualify for appearances on “The View.”
The upcoming Texas primary election is set for March 3rd.
The FCC does have a “bona fide” exception regarding this rule, which typically protects cable news programs from needing to provide equal time to opposing candidates. However, the FCC expressed that there’s currently no evidence to support that segments from daytime or late-night TV talk shows should qualify for such a “legitimate” news exemption.
Former President Trump has had his share of criticism directed at “The View,” along with its hosts who lean left.
Interestingly, in July, the White House took issue with host Joy Behar, implying she was suggesting the president felt jealous of former President Barack Obama. This led to the White House press secretary labeling her an “irrelevant loser” while advising her to think carefully before the show’s next episode goes off the air.
This controversy appears to follow closely on the heels of CBS’s cancellation of “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert,” another critic and rival of Trump.
