Texas ABC Affiliates File Equal Time Notices After FCC Crackdown on 'The View'

Stations not owned by Disney take action after Texas Senate candidate's appearance on the talk show.

Feb. 26, 2026 at 9:00am

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Many ABC affiliates in Texas have quietly filed equal-time notices with the FCC after Texas Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico appeared on "The View." This comes after FCC Chairman Brendan Carr announced the agency would require broadcast networks to adhere to the equal-time rules, including for late-night and daytime talk shows. The equal-time notices open the door for Talarico's top primary rival, Texas Rep. Jasmine Crockett, to request equal and comparable airtime.

Why it matters

The FCC's crackdown on equal-time rules for political candidates appearing on broadcast talk shows could have significant implications for the upcoming Texas Senate race, potentially giving lesser-known candidates more opportunities to reach voters through television appearances.

The details

The FCC announced last month it would require broadcast networks to follow the "statutory equal opportunities requirement" for airing political candidates, citing the Communications Act of 1934. This came after Talarico's appearance on "The View" on Feb. 2, which lasted less than 10 minutes. Many ABC affiliates in Texas that are not owned by Disney have since filed equal-time notices, allowing Crockett to request equal airtime. The only Texas ABC affiliate that did not file a notice is the Disney-owned KTRK in Houston.

  • The FCC announced its crackdown on equal-time rules last month.
  • Talarico appeared on "The View" on Feb. 2, 2026.
  • Many Texas ABC affiliates filed equal-time notices in the past week.

The players

Brendan Carr

The chairman of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), who announced the agency would require broadcast networks to adhere to equal-time rules for political candidates.

James Talarico

A Texas Democratic Senate candidate who appeared on "The View" on Feb. 2, 2026.

Jasmine Crockett

A Texas state representative who is Talarico's top primary rival in the Texas Senate race.

KTRK

The only ABC affiliate in Texas that is owned and operated by Disney and did not file an equal-time notice.

TEGNA, Sinclair Broadcast Group, and Gray Media

Non-Disney companies that own ABC affiliates in Texas that filed equal-time notices.

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What they’re saying

“You'll recall the whole FCC battle that has been with Kimmel, Colbert, 'The View,' they're federally regulated because they are on broadcast airwaves and this administration, Brendan Carr, the chairman of the FCC, has said, 'You have to provide equal time, as has been on our books forever to candidates that are in competitive elections if you're going to do this.'”

— Josh Holmes, Host, "Ruthless" podcast

“Well, now you know.”

— Josh Holmes, Host, "Ruthless" podcast

“That's a huge deal. Jasmine Crockett, if you're listening, congrats.”

— Comfortably Smug, Co-host, "Ruthless" podcast

What’s next

Jasmine Crockett could request equal airtime from the ABC affiliates that filed the equal-time notices.

The takeaway

The FCC's enforcement of equal-time rules for political candidates appearing on broadcast talk shows could level the playing field and give lesser-known candidates more opportunities to reach voters in the Texas Senate race.