FCC to rule The View not a news program, invoking rules

The Federal Communications Commission is preparing to rule that ABC's daytime talk show "The View" does not qualify as a bona fide news program, according to reports. Such a decision, which could be finalized before Labor Day, would subject the long-running program to federal equal-time rules for political candidates, requiring it to offer comparable airtime to rival candidates whenever it hosts a politician. The FCC is also expected to escalate a separate investigation into the broadcast television licenses of Disney, ABC's parent company, moving that review toward an administrative hearing.

The potential rulings represent a significant regulatory challenge for Disney and ABC. If "The View" loses its news program exemption, ABC argues the show's editorial decision-making would be fundamentally altered, as it would be forced to balance political bookings. The network has reportedly been fighting the possible revocation, including running an on-air campaign urging viewers to contact the FCC. Disney is expected to legally challenge any adverse rulings.

The FCC's scrutiny of "The View" reportedly began after the show hosted Texas Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico in...