ABC challenged the FCC’s scrutiny over “The View,” claiming that government interference in its editorial decisions would threaten First Amendment protections. The network says the show is a bona fide news interview program.
ABC defends The View and concentrates on free speech and the First Amendment
The network has filed a formal response with the FCC (Federal Communications Commission) after the agency questioned whether the show is a bona fide news interview program. The FCC, led by Chairman Brendan Carr, questioned the show, stating it should not qualify for the FCC equal opportunities exemption.
ABC said in its filing, “These Reply Comments arise from an unusual posture. ABC did not come to the Federal Communications Commission asking for anything. The Commission compelled ABC to file the Petition for Declaratory Ruling at issue here.”
ABC added that the government should not interfere and should not dictate which political candidate should give an interview. “The First Amendment does not permit the government to sit in an editor’s chair. Yet that is the seat the Commission now proposes to take, deciding which broadcast programs qualify as legitimate news and, for those it finds wanting, compelling them to surrender their airtime to guests they never chose to feature,” the filing further states.
The network argued that “The View” has held an exemption since 2002, and there has been no change in the show’s format.
Earlier this year, the FCC opened an inquiry into the type of shows that the agency believes are bona fide news interview programs, including The View.
The review of the show started after the interview with Texas Senate candidate James Talarico. The Disney-owned broadcast network launched an on-air campaign this June, encouraging viewers to share their views with the FCC. Since the case began, more than 76,000 comments have been submitted to the FCC in support of the show, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
LET US KNOW WHAT YOU THINK ABOUT ABC NETWORK’S OFFICIAL FILING AGAINST THE FCC.
Originally reported by Aman Sharma for Reality Tea
