NewsNBC Miami PoliticsJune 23, 2026United States
FCC and Disney Clash Over 'The View' and Broadcast Rules
The FCC is investigating whether the talk show 'The View' violated federal equal-time rules regarding political candidates, prompting ABC to launch a public campaign against the agency's actions. Disney argues the show qualifies as a 'bona fide news program' exempt from these rules, while the FCC accuses the network of spreading misinformation about the law.
Read the full story at NBC Miami PoliticsWhy It Matters
The outcome of this dispute could determine whether 'The View' and similar talk shows must provide equal airtime to political candidates, potentially impacting the content and scheduling of broadcast television stations owned by Disney.
Key Facts
- The FCC is investigating whether 'The View' violated equal-time rules following an appearance by Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico.
- ABC launched a public campaign urging viewers to petition the FCC by July 6 to support the show's status.
- The FCC ordered Disney’s eight owned-and-operated television stations to file broadcast license renewals ahead of schedule in April.
- Disney/ABC filed a 52-page document arguing 'The View' has been exempt from equal-time rules for over twenty years as a 'bona fide news program'.
- FCC Chair Brendan Carr stated that classifying the show as 'bona fide news' would exempt it from political equal-time requirements established by Congress.
- The FCC spokesperson accused ABC of running a misinformation campaign regarding the legal requirements for news program exemptions.
- The FCC license review was reportedly initiated following a joke by Jimmy Kimmel about Melania Trump, though Chair Carr attributes the review to a probe of Disney's diversity, equity, and inclusion practices.