ABC Defends The View As Real Journalism

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For some time, FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr has been critical of ABC. He briefly interrupted an episode of Jimmy Kimmel Live! and argued that shows like The View must give equal airtime to all opposing political candidates. This week, the FCC ordered a review of ABC’s broadcasting licenses. ABC responded with a 52-page document arguing that The View qualifies as a journalistic program, effectively pushing back against the FCC’s claims.

This whole thing started back in February when the FCC Chairman, Carr, announced he was looking into The View because they interviewed James Talarico, a candidate running for Senate in Texas. He argued that The View isn’t a real news show, so they should have given Talarico’s opponents, like Jasmine Crockett, the same opportunity to be interviewed. Now, ABC is saying the FCC is violating the First Amendment by trying to force them to follow this “equal time” rule. They’re worried this could set a dangerous precedent and stifle free speech, not just for The View, but for everyone. What’s really frustrating is that he didn’t seem to have a problem with interviews leaning the other way – like when Texas Republicans were on The Glenn Beck Program. It feels like he’s singling out The View unfairly.

This recent action shows Disney, under Josh D’Amaro, isn’t backing down to pressure from the Trump administration. When Trump again demanded Jimmy Kimmel’s firing – this time over a joke about his and Melania’s age difference – ABC remained silent. The network also firmly responded to a review of its broadcasting licenses, stating they are confident they meet all legal requirements and are ready to defend their position in court. Essentially, it was a strong and confident statement.

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2026-05-09 00:54