FCC Chairman Brendan Carr Targets ABC's 'The View' Following Jimmy Kimmel Suspension

FCC Chairman Brendan Carr has signaled that ABC's daytime talk show "The View" may be subject to a review to determine if it still qualifies as a "bona fide news program" exempt from the FCC's equal time rules, which require broadcasters to provide equal air time to opposing political candidates. Carr's comments came shortly after his criticism contributed to the indefinite suspension of Jimmy Kimmel's late-night program by ABC, following controversial remarks Kimmel made about the response to the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. While "The View" includes political discussion and is produced by ABC News, Carr expressed uncertainty about whether the show should retain its news exemption status and suggested the FCC should investigate. This move is part of a broader effort under the Trump administration's FCC leadership to scrutinize television programs that may not comply with equal opportunity requirements. ABC affiliates and station groups like Nexstar and Sinclair had already pre-empted Kimmel's show, though they denied links to their pending FCC transactions. The review, if pursued, could require "The View" and similar programs to provide balanced political coverage or equal time to opposing viewpoints, potentially impacting their current programming format.