‘The View’ Comes Under FCC Scrutiny in Aftermath of Kimmel Controversy

Federal Communications Commission Chair Brendan Carr suggested this week that ABC’s The View could come under federal review if it no longer qualifies as a “bona fide news program” exempt from equal time requirements.

Appearing on conservative commentator Scott Jennings’s podcast, Carr questioned whether the daytime talk show’s mix of political attacks and entertainment still allows it to sidestep rules requiring broadcasters to provide equal airtime for competing political candidates.

“I think it’s worthwhile to have the FCC look into whether The View, and some of these other programs that you have, still qualify as bona fide news programs and therefore are exempt from the equal opportunity regime that Congress has put in place,” Carr said.

While news interviews and current-events commentary are typically exempt, Carr noted that not every talk show should get a free pass.

“Potentially, I would assume, you could make the argument that The View is a bona fide news show, but I’m not so sure about that,” Carr added.

Carr’s Push for Accountability

Carr’s remarks come just a day after he blasted ABC over Jimmy Kimmel’s late-night program, following the host’s disturbing comments about the assassination of conservative leader Charlie Kirk. Hours after Carr’s public rebuke, ABC suspended Kimmel.

It’s not the first time Carr has raised alarms over media favoritism. In 2024, he criticized NBC for allowing then–Vice President Kamala Harris to appear on Saturday Night Live days before the election, calling it a clear violation of equal time rules. NBC eventually granted the Trump campaign equal airtime.

Carr emphasized that while late-night shows are usually treated as news programs, SNL and others with overtly partisan skits should not be exempt.

Equal Time Law Under Review

The FCC’s equal time rule applies to broadcast license holders — not cable or streaming — and is designed to ensure no candidate gets disproportionate airtime. Exemptions exist for legitimate news coverage, documentaries, or interviews.

But Carr warned that shows like The View, which frequently host politicians and openly editorialize against conservatives, may no longer fit the definition of “news.”

ABC has not responded to the latest comments. The network has long insisted that its talk and news programs comply with FCC policy.

Still, Carr’s statement signals that the Commission may soon re-examine whether The View has been exploiting its status to push partisan narratives while dodging equal time obligations — especially as the 2026 midterms approach.