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FCC Launches Investigation Into ABC's 'The View' Over Equal Time Rule
The probe is triggered by a Texas Democratic Senate candidate's appearance on the show.
Published on Feb. 7, 2026
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The Federal Communications Commission is launching an investigation into ABC's daytime talk show 'The View' over the rarely enforced equal time rule, which mandates that broadcasters offer 'equal opportunities' for political candidates running for the same office. The probe was triggered by Texas Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico's appearance on the show, according to Fox News.
Why it matters
The investigation comes as the FCC is issuing new guidance to broadcast networks, requiring them to adhere to the equal time rule for late-night and daytime talk shows, which were previously considered 'bona fide news' and exempt from the rule. This could have implications for how networks handle political candidates appearing on their programs.
The details
The FCC said it would require broadcasters to adhere to the 'statutory equal opportunities requirement,' which includes 'their airing of late-night and daytime talk shows.' Before the guidance, late-night and daytime talk shows were considered 'bona fide news,' making them exempt from the equal time rule. Disney, ABC's parent company, did not make an equal-time filing to the FCC regarding Talarico's appearance, which indicated to the FCC that Disney and ABC see 'The View' as still bona fide news.
- In January, the FCC said it would give guidance to ABC, CBS, and NBC on how to adhere to the equal time rule.
- Talarico was one of the first political candidates to appear on the program since the FCC sent its new guidance to the networks.
The players
James Talarico
A Texas Democratic Senate candidate whose appearance on 'The View' triggered the FCC investigation.
Brendan Carr
The FCC Chairman who has frequently targeted ABC for its programming, most notably going after Jimmy Kimmel for a monologue aired on his ABC program.
The View
The ABC daytime talk show currently hosted by Joy Behar, Whoopi Goldberg, Alyssa Farah Griffin, Sarah Haines, Sunny Hostin, and Ana Navarro.
What they’re saying
“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”
— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)
What’s next
The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.
The takeaway
This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.
