FCC probes ABC's The View exemption and local station licenses

ABC, owned by Disney, began airing ads urging viewers to submit comments to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) about two separate investigations. The FCC is examining whether the daytime talk show The View should retain its news‑program exemption, which would affect its ability to host political candidates without offering equal‑time slots. Simultaneously, the agency has initiated an early review of the broadcast licenses for ABC‑owned stations in eight U.S. markets, linking the review to the network’s diversity and inclusion policies.

Conservative groups, including the Media Research Center and the Center for American Rights, have announced plans to petition the FCC to revoke ABC’s licenses. They argue that the network’s management and recent DEI‑related actions warrant denial of the renewal. FCC Chair Brendan Carr, who has previously revived complaints against other networks, is overseeing both investigations.