FCC Criticizes Disney’s Campaign Amid ‘The View’ Investigation

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) criticized Disney’s efforts for public backing on Monday. This follows ongoing investigations into “The View” and ABC’s broadcast licenses. The dispute represents a new chapter in Disney’s ongoing tensions with regulators.

FCC’s Concerns

The FCC, led by Brendan Carr, a Trump appointee, announced in February it was examining “The View” for potential violations of equal-time rules. This scrutiny arose after James Talarico, a Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate in Texas, appeared on the show. Since its inception in 1997, ‘The View’ has featured a panel of women interviewing politicians and celebrities.

Disney’s Response

In response, ABC launched a campaign urging viewers to support their stance on free speech. On-air ads ask the public to petition the FCC, encouraging viewers to allow audiences to decide program content. The ads remind audiences of the show’s history and invite them to scan a QR code for action before a July 6 deadline.

“‘The View’ has welcomed your favorite guests and covered the issues you’ve cared about for nearly 30 years,” a voice-over states. “Now the FCC wants to control who is allowed to appear on the show. Viewers, use your voice. Scan this QR code. You have until July 6.”

FCC’s Misinformation Allegations

An FCC spokesperson criticized Disney’s campaign as spreading misinformation. They claim Disney is misleading viewers about regulations, aiming to classify “The View” as a “bona fide news program.” These programs do not have to adhere to equal-time rules that normally ensure broadcasters give equal opportunities to political candidates.

Brendan Carr expressed his views on social media, questioning whether “The View” qualifies as bona fide news. “ABC argued in May that the show already operates under an equal-time exemption granted more than twenty years ago,” noted Carr.

ABC’s Position

ABC’s submission to the FCC aimed to confirm “The View’s” exemption. The filing was made by KTRK-TV, a network-owned station in Houston, asking if “The View” still qualified. The network asserted the status of “The View” as a bona fide news program had never been in question.

The document contended, “Some may dislike certain — or even most — of the viewpoints expressed on ‘The View’ or similar shows. Such dislike, however, cannot justify using regulatory processes to restrict those views.”

License Renewal Orders

In April, the FCC ordered Disney’s owned stations to submit license renewals in advance. This followed tensions between the White House and ABC over a joke by late-night host Jimmy Kimmel about Melania Trump. Carr clarified that the license review focuses on diversity, equity, and inclusion practices, not on free speech issues.