FCC chairman says the agency is investigating ABC’s ‘The View’ over equal time rule

The Federal Communications Commission has launched an investigation into ABC’s “The View” regarding potential violations of broadcast equal time requirements for political candidates, FCC Chairman Brendan Carr confirmed Wednesday.

“The FCC has an enforcement action underway on that,” Carr told reporters following an agency meeting. “And we’re taking a look at it.”

The investigation stems from appearances by political candidates on the popular daytime talk show, including Democratic Texas Senate candidate James Talarico, who appeared on “The View” on February 2. U.S. Representative Jasmine Crockett, who is competing against Talarico for the Democratic nomination in Texas, has also been featured on the program.

The scrutiny comes amid heightened FCC attention to talk shows, which the agency suggested in January could be “motivated by partisan purposes.” The commission issued new guidance that month, reminding late-night and daytime hosts about their obligation to provide equal airtime to political candidates.

The equal time rule requires broadcast stations to offer equivalent opportunities to all candidates for a political office if any candidate for that same office appears on their airwaves. However, the regulations include exemptions for newscasts, “bona fide” interview programs, live event coverage, and documentaries.

Carr, who was appointed by former President Donald Trump, has previously questioned whether talk shows should continue to enjoy such exemptions. In January, the FCC stated it had not received “any evidence that the interview portion of any late night or daytime television talk show program on air presently would qualify for the bona fide news exemption.”

The investigation into “The View” coincides with recent controversy surrounding CBS’s “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.” Earlier this week, Colbert revealed that CBS executives had prevented Talarico from appearing on his program due to concerns about equal time requirements.

“CBS generously did it for him,” Colbert remarked on Tuesday’s show, referring to Carr’s previous statements about potentially eliminating the exemption for late-night talk shows.

The equal time provision applies only to broadcast television and radio, not to streaming or internet programs. Taking advantage of this distinction, Colbert posted his interview with Talarico to YouTube, where it garnered over 7.5 million views—significantly more than his nightly broadcast audience on CBS.

The situation proved beneficial for Talarico’s campaign, which reported raising $2.5 million in donations within 24 hours after the Colbert interview was posted online.

When asked about the Colbert incident, Carr appeared to take satisfaction in the controversy, saying it “was probably one of the most fun days I’ve had in the job.” He added that Talarico “took advantage” of the media attention “apparently for the purpose of raising money and getting clicks.”

CBS has defended its decision, stating that Colbert was provided “legal guidance” indicating that broadcasting the Talarico interview could trigger equal time requirements.

The investigation reflects growing tension between broadcast regulators and media outlets during an election year, particularly concerning how political candidates gain exposure through television appearances. Media experts note that broadcasters must carefully balance compliance with FCC regulations against providing informative content to viewers.

A spokesperson for “The View” declined to comment on Carr’s statements regarding the investigation.

The FCC has not responded to requests for additional information about the scope of the investigation or potential consequences for ABC if violations are confirmed.