Is ABC's "The View" about to face the regulatory hammer for pushing a one-sided narrative? FCC Chairman Brendan Carr has raised eyebrows by suggesting a formal investigation into whether the daytime talk show violates the federal "equal time" rule, which demands broadcasters give fair play to political candidates unless deemed a legitimate news program.
This bombshell comes hot on the heels of drama surrounding ABC and Disney, including the indefinite suspension of "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" over its host’s inflammatory remarks.
Fox News reported that on Thursday, Carr publicly floated the idea of digging into whether "The View" complies with the "equal time" mandate. This rule, a cornerstone of broadcast fairness, requires equal opportunity for all political candidates unless a show is classified as a bona fide news program.
Carr, however, isn’t convinced "The View" fits that bill, and frankly, neither are many conservatives tired of lopsided commentary.
"Potentially, I would assume you can make the argument that 'The View' is a bona fide news show, but I'm not so sure about that," Carr stated, casting doubt on the show's exemption status.
If that’s not a polite way of saying “we’re watching you,” then what is? His call for an FCC review signals a push to hold broadcasters accountable, especially those perceived as megaphones for progressive talking points.
Criticism of "The View" isn’t new, particularly from right-leaning circles frustrated by its apparent liberal slant. Data from the Media Research Center shows that between January and April 2025, the show didn’t feature a single conservative guest to discuss politics. That’s right—zero balance in four months, while hosting 63 liberal guests, including nine Democratic politicians.
The Trump administration has also aimed at the show, with frequent complaints about the hosts’ sharp critiques of President Donald Trump. A White House spokesperson even hinted in July that "The View" could risk being pulled off the air if the attacks persist. That’s a bold warning, though it raises questions about where free speech ends and regulatory muscle begins.
Meanwhile, the controversy over ABC extends beyond "The View" to the indefinite suspension of "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" due to host Jimmy Kimmel’s comments about the Charlie Kirk assassin.
Carr didn’t hold back in criticizing ABC and Disney for Kimmel’s conduct before the suspension was announced. It’s a messy situation, and one wonders if ABC thought a timeout would quiet the storm.
Curiously, "The View" stayed silent on Kimmel’s suspension during Thursday’s broadcast. An ABC source tipped off Fox News Digital that the pre-taped Friday episode won’t touch the topic either, though future coverage might happen. Dodging the issue doesn’t exactly scream “bona fide news,” does it?
The imbalance on "The View" isn’t just a numbers game; it’s a cultural signal. When a platform books dozens of left-leaning voices and none from the other side, it’s hard to argue it’s serving the public interest as broadcasters are obligated to do under FCC licenses. This isn’t about silencing anyone—it’s about fairness in a medium that reaches millions.
Carr’s broader mission seems to be a wake-up call for broadcasters like ABC and Disney, who operate under public trust via FCC licenses.
He’s made it clear he wants to reinvigorate the notion of public interest, a principle that feels increasingly sidelined in today’s polarized media landscape. If that means putting popular shows under the lens, so be it.
The Kimmel suspension adds fuel to the fire, showing how quickly a network can act when controversy erupts. Yet, the silence from "The View" on this internal ABC drama raises eyebrows—shouldn’t a supposed news program tackle its own network’s headlines? It’s a missed opportunity to at least pretend at objectivity.
An unnamed entertainment lawyer quipped, "I think 'The View' is next," hinting at a domino effect of scrutiny. That’s a cheeky prediction, but not an unreasonable one given Carr’s tone. If the FCC digs deeper, ABC might find itself scrambling to justify its programming choices.
The "equal time" rule itself is a relic of a bygone era, yet it remains a critical check on broadcast power. When shows like "The View" appear to lean so heavily one way, it’s fair to ask whether they’re truly exempt as news or just opinion dressed up as such.
Conservatives have long felt shut out of mainstream spaces, and this investigation could be a step toward leveling the playing field.
ABC and Disney, contacted by Fox News Digital, have yet to respond to the swirling controversy. Their silence speaks volumes, leaving the public to wonder if they’re strategizing behind closed doors or simply hoping the storm blows over. Either way, the pressure is on.
