Trump FCC asks public to comment on whether ABC's The View is a news show

ABC says a 2002 FCC determination remains unchallenged and fully qualifies The View for an exemption. The FCC Media Bureau describes the 2002 item as a staff letter, while ABC characterizes it as a declaratory ruling that remains in force. The FCC proceeding also invites comments on whether the equal-time rule itself is constitutional, citing First Amendment concerns about limits on editorial decisions. ABC argues the equal opportunities rule cannot survive constitutional scrutiny without a robust bona fide news exemption. The Media Bureau asks whether the equal opportunities statute meets constitutional scrutiny generally or as applied here. The docket has received dozens of comments, mostly questioning whether The View is a real news show, with some criticizing the investigation as unfounded. Deadlines are June 22 for initial comments and July 6 for reply comments.

"The docket has already received a few dozen comments today. Most are from people writing that The View is not a real news show, but one commenter said the FCC investigation “is misguided and unfounded, especially as it apparently did not stem from any formal complaint regarding The View violating the equal time provisions or its long-standing status as a bona fide news program.” The FCC set a June 22 deadline for initial comments, and a July 6 deadline for reply comments."

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