FCC Investigates The View Over Equal Time Concerns

Agency reportedly says "fake news" will no longer get a "free pass"

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Federal Communications Commission is reportedly investigating ABC's daytime talk show The View, citing concerns over the show's interviews with political candidates and potential violations of the agency's equal-time rules. The FCC has not officially announced the investigation, but sources indicate it was triggered by the show's recent interview with Texas Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico.

Why it matters

The reported FCC investigation into The View is seen as an attempt by the agency, under the Trump administration, to intimidate and censor media outlets that are critical of the administration. This raises concerns about government overreach and the potential chilling of free speech and press freedoms.

The details

The FCC has not publicly announced the investigation, but sources say it was prompted by The View's interview with Texas Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico. The agency reportedly wants ABC to provide equal airtime to Republican candidates like incumbent Sen. John Cornyn. An FCC source told Fox News that "fake news is not getting a free pass anymore" and that the probe aims to enforce the equal-time rule.

  • The FCC issued a warning in January that late-night and daytime talk shows may no longer qualify for the bona fide news exemption to the equal-time rule.
  • In September 2025, FCC Chairman Brendan Carr said it would be "worthwhile to have the FCC look into whether The View and some of these other programs" are violating the equal-time rule.

The players

Anna Gomez

FCC Democrat who called the investigation an attempt to intimidate critics of the Trump administration.

Brendan Carr

FCC Chairman who said in September 2025 that the agency would look into whether The View is violating the equal-time rule.

James Talarico

Texas Democratic Senate candidate who was interviewed on The View, reportedly triggering the FCC investigation.

John Cornyn

Incumbent Republican Texas Senator whose campaign the FCC reportedly wants to receive equal airtime.

Jasmine Crockett

U.S. Representative whose primary opponent, Ahmad Hassan, the FCC reportedly wants to receive equal airtime.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The FCC has not announced a timeline for completing its investigation into The View, but the probe is expected to continue as part of the agency's broader crackdown on what it deems "fake news" and violations of the equal-time rule.

The takeaway

The reported FCC investigation into The View represents a concerning escalation of the Trump administration's efforts to use government agencies to target and intimidate media outlets that are critical of the president and his policies. This raises serious questions about the preservation of press freedoms and the integrity of the democratic process.