The FCC has launched an investigation into ABC's daytime talk show "The View" for potentially violating federal equal time rules for political candidates.
The probe, first reported by Fox News Digital and confirmed by sources to Reuters and other outlets, was triggered by the show's recent appearance by Texas Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico.
This marked one of the first such political interviews on the program since the FCC issued new guidance in January 2026 emphasizing enforcement of the rule. Under Section 315 of the Communications Act of 1934, if a broadcast station (like ABC) allows a legally qualified candidate to appear, it must provide equal opportunities — comparable time and placement — to all other candidates for the same office, regardless of party.
The FCC's January public notice clarified that exemptions for "bona fide" news programming are not automatic for daytime or late-night talk shows. Interviews motivated by "partisan purposes" or used to advantage one candidate do not qualify for exemption, and networks must offer opposing candidates equal access or seek formal assurance.
ABC's parent company, Disney, reportedly did not file an exemption petition for Talarico's appearance and has not provided comparable airtime to his Republican opponents in the Texas Senate race.
The investigation aligns with a broader FCC crackdown on rarely enforced equal time requirements for broadcast networks, including concerns about shows on ABC, NBC, and CBS. FCC Chair Brendan Carr has previously questioned whether programs like "The View" qualify as neutral news content.
"The View" has long been critical of President Trump and his allies, featuring a panel including former Trump adviser Alyssa Farah Griffin but known for its predominantly anti-Trump commentary. Trump has had a longstanding feud with the show and its moderator, Whoopi Goldberg, including past public exchanges and White House criticisms of hosts like Goldberg and Joy Behar.
The equal time rule has historically seen limited enforcement, but the current FCC push signals stricter scrutiny of perceived political bias in broadcast programming. No formal findings or penalties have been announced yet in the ongoing inquiry.