ABC's The View' under federal investigation by Trump administration: report

"The show's female panel, which includes former Trump administration adviser Alyssa Farah Griffin, is famously critical of the president and his allies. The FCC's probe reportedly hinges on the Communications Act of 1934, which calls for networks to give equal time to all legally filed candidates on a ballot regardless of political party. The law was enacted to prevent broadcast stations from offering one-sided programming. It does not apply to cable channels or other forms of distribution, according to the FCC."

"While the policy has historically not been rigorously enforced, the agency announced last month that it would formally require TV networks to adhere to the statutory equal opportunities requirement, specifically citing concerns over daytime and late-night talk shows on ABC, NBC and CBS. If a broadcast station permits any legally qualified candidate for public office to use its facilities, it shall provide an equal opportunity to all other legally qualified candidates for that office, the FCC wrote in a public notice."

The Federal Communications Commission is examining ABC’s The View over allegations that the show does not provide equal treatment for political candidates and parties. The inquiry relies on the Communications Act of 1934, which requires broadcast networks to offer equal opportunities to all legally filed candidates on a ballot. The law applies to broadcast stations, not cable channels. The FCC said bona fide news programming can be exempt, but programs motivated by partisan purposes are not exempt and must offer opposing candidates comparable time and placement. The probe was reportedly prompted by a recent appearance by Texas Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico.

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