The Federal Communications Commission has opened a public comment period on whether Disney-owned television station KTRK-TV Houston and its parent company ABC should classify “The View” as a “bona fide news interview program.” The petition, filed on May 7 under docket number 26-124, seeks to exempt the show from Section 315 of the Communications Act—a rule that requires broadcasters to provide equal airtime for opposing political candidates.
The Commission has raised critical questions about “The View”’s format and guest selections, asking whether the program is driven by newsworthiness or partisan candidate advantage. If the FCC determines the show qualifies as a bona fide news interview program, it would avoid the equal-opportunity obligations under Section 315.
Chairman Brendan Carr announced the proceeding on social media and invited public participation in the docket, which requires comments by June 22, 2026, with reply comments due July 6, 2026. The Commission is also assessing whether Section 315 and its regulations withstand constitutional scrutiny.
Critics point to “The View”’s history of featuring political commentary that has been criticized for partisan leanings, including comparisons of Republican politicians to authoritarian leaders and repeated promotion of Russia-related conspiracy theories. Without the exemption, broadcasters would be obligated to provide equal airtime to opposing candidates when the show features one side.
The proceeding represents a pivotal moment in television regulation as it seeks to clarify whether the daytime talk show—known for its political commentary—deserves the protections afforded by news program classifications. The public has until June 22 to submit comments on Disney’s request.