ABC urges viewers to contact FCC over 'The View' classification

ABC is encouraging its viewers to contact the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to voice their opposition to a proceeding that could affect the classification of its talk show, 'The View.' An ABC commercial asks viewers to tell the FCC to cease attempts to 'control who is allowed to appear' on the program and to let viewers decide.

The FCC is currently considering whether 'The View' qualifies as a bona fide news interview program. This classification is significant because it exempts the show from the equal-time rule, which mandates equal opportunities for opposing political candidates on non-news programming. Historically, the FCC has classified many entertainment talk shows as bona fide news for their interview segments, allowing them such exemptions.

'The View' itself received a bona fide news exemption from the FCC in 2002, during the first term of President George W. Bush. However, FCC Chairman Brendan Carr has initiated a new proceeding that deviates from the commission's longstanding approach, potentially requiring 'The View' to adhere to equal-time requirements. The deadline for public comments on this matter is July 6.

Carr's actions against 'The View' began after the show featured an interview with James Talarico, a Democratic Senate candidate from Texas. Following this, the FCC issued a general warning to broadcast TV stations against using late-night and daytime talk shows for 'partisan political purposes.' The report notes that Carr has not initiated similar proceedings for talk radio shows, which are predominantly conservative.