The Federal Communications Commission has launched an investigation into ABC's daytime talk show "The View" over possible violations of the equal time rule for political candidates, according to agency Chairman Brendan Carr. This enforcement action highlights ongoing scrutiny of broadcast regulations in a politically charged media landscape.
Enforcement Action Underway
"The FCC has an enforcement action underway on that," Carr stated to reporters following an agency meeting on Wednesday, when questioned about a potential probe into the popular program. He added, "And we're taking a look at it." The investigation centers on whether the show complied with requirements that broadcast stations provide equal airtime to political candidates when they appear.
Political Appearances in Focus
The probe was prompted by appearances from Texas Senate candidates. Democratic contender James Talarico was featured on "The View" on February 2, while his primary opponent, U.S. Representative Jasmine Crockett, has also appeared on the show. This has raised questions about whether the program adhered to the equal time provision, which mandates balanced coverage for competing candidates.
Broader Context of Regulatory Scrutiny
This investigation occurs amid a broader Trump administration effort to regulate talk shows, which the FCC has suggested may be "motivated by partisan purposes." Earlier in the week, late-night host Stephen Colbert revealed that CBS executives canceled a planned appearance by Talarico on his program due to concerns about violating equal time rules.
In January, the FCC issued new guidance to late-night and daytime hosts, reminding them of the obligation to provide equal time to political candidates. While there are exceptions for newscasts, "bona fide" interview programs, and live event coverage, Carr has publicly questioned whether talk shows should retain any exemption. "The FCC has not been presented with 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 agency noted in a public notice last month.
Carr's Perspective and Reactions
Carr, a Trump appointee, previously suggested that investigating "The View"—whose hosts have often criticized Republican figures—might be "worthwhile." On Wednesday, he commented on the fallout from Colbert's situation, calling it "probably one of the most fun days I've had in the job" and noting that Talarico "took advantage" of media attention "apparently for the purpose of raising money and getting clicks."
It is important to note that the equal time rule applies only to broadcast television, not to streaming or internet content. Colbert later posted the Talarico interview on YouTube, where it garnered over 7.5 million views—far exceeding the typical audience for his CBS broadcast. Talarico reported raising $2.5 million in campaign donations within 24 hours of the interview.
Network Responses and Implications
A spokesperson for "The View" declined to comment on Carr's statements on Thursday. Meanwhile, CBS stated that Colbert received "legal guidance" indicating that broadcasting the Talarico interview could trigger the equal time rule. Colbert quipped on his show that while Carr considered eliminating the exemption for late-night talk shows, "CBS generously did it for him."
The FCC has not responded to requests for comment regarding "The View" or Colbert's program. This investigation underscores the evolving challenges in regulating political content across different media platforms, as traditional broadcast rules intersect with digital distribution.
