The Media Research Center submitted an 18-page letter to the Federal Communications Commission arguing that ABC's "The View" operates as a partisan political vehicle rather than a bona fide news interview program, attaching 2,473 separate pieces of evidence. The filing directly contests an ABC petition seeking to exempt the daytime program from the equal-time rule that governs political candidates' broadcast appearances. MRC President David Bozell addressed the letter to FCC division chief Maria Mullarkey.
The Regulatory Dispute
The FCC opened its investigation into "The View" after Texas Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico appeared on the program. Federal equal-time rules require broadcasters to offer opposing candidates equivalent airtime — unless the program qualifies as a bona fide news interview show, which carries a longstanding statutory exemption. The FCC has previously stated it has not received evidence that any current daytime or late-night talk show qualifies for that exemption.
ABC filed a petition arguing the show meets the standard. The MRC's filing is a formal comment opposing that petition.
What MRC Is Alleging
Bozell wrote that the MRC has published eight separate studies documenting "The View's" partisan programming and its practice of promoting Democratic candidates and policies while limiting access to figures who could harm Democratic electoral prospects. The letter accuses ABC of misrepresenting the program in its petition and of misapplying First Amendment case law. Bozell stated the show "has every right to exist" but argued it "should not be subsidized with public spectrum," framing broadcast access as a privilege rather than a constitutional right.
Among the cited examples: co-host Whoopi Goldberg directing the audience on Election Day conduct. None of the show's six hosts backed Donald Trump in the 2024 election — including Alyssa Farah Griffin, the show's self-described conservative voice and former Trump administration official. The show did host Vice President JD Vance for a recent extended interview, a fact ABC and the MRC both noted.
Disney's Counter-Campaign
Disney launched an on-air response Monday urging viewers to contact the FCC before a July 6 deadline. The campaign's message: the FCC is seeking to control which guests the show may host, and viewers should weigh in. ABC has not characterized the MRC filing specifically. The competing comment period sets up a formal administrative record the FCC must weigh before ruling on ABC's exemption petition.