ABC urges viewers to fight FCC action on The View and its stations

The Federal Communications Commission, led by Trump‑appointed chair Brendan Carr, has opened two separate proceedings affecting Disney‑owned ABC. One investigates the daytime talk show The View after it aired Texas Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico, questioning whether the program qualifies as a “bona fide” news interview and thus is exempt from the statutory equal‑time rule. The other orders an accelerated license‑renewal review for eight ABC‑owned TV stations in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Philadelphia, Houston, San Francisco, Raleigh‑Durham and Fresno, a step normally not taken until 2028.

In response, ABC has launched an on‑air campaign across its local stations and on digital platforms. The 20‑second spots feature Barbara Walters and a narrator saying, “The View has welcomed your favorite guests… Now the FCC wants to control who is allowed to appear on the show,” and urge viewers to scan a QR code and file comments with the FCC. Separate ads for each station appeal to community service history and ask viewers to submit comments by July 29, while The View proceeding comments are due by July 6. ABC describes the FCC actions as “unlawful, arbitrary and unconstitutional” and a threat to First‑Amendment free speech, seeking to mobilize public support ahead of the comment deadlines.