The FCC Media Bureau issued a public notice requesting comments on whether ABC's The View qualifies for the bona fide news exemption under the equal-time rule. The notice cites statutory goals of preventing partisan use of broadcast airwaves and ensuring equal candidate access. FCC Chairman Brendan Carr discussed the matter publicly on September 22, 2025.
“Trump FCC asks public to comment on whether ABC's The View is a news show”
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The FCC's solicitation of input on The View's exemption status reflects regulatory escalation by a Republican-led commission against progressive-leaning commentary.
“Risk of chilling speech from outlets critical of the administration in power.”
The notice confronts long-standing imbalances by examining whether opinionated programming meets the exemption requirements.
“Restoring fairness on publicly licensed spectrum.”
The proceeding illustrates regulatory overreach that empowers bureaucrats to define bona fide news and second-guess programming.
“Elimination of the equal-time mandate in favor of property rights and free expression.”
All perspectives accept a framing centered on partisan purposes rather than the exemption's actual statutory criteria of scheduling and news-division control.
“Overlooks limited enforcement history and technological changes that undermine the original scarcity rationale.”
Ratings by MBFC