ABC is encouraging viewers to share their opinions as “The View” faces FCC scrutiny over its broadcast licensing and programming status. The FCC is seeking public comment on whether the talk show qualifies as a “bona fide” news interview program, a designation that could affect how certain broadcast rules apply.
The network says the campaign is aimed at helping viewers understand the review process, what is at stake, and how they can participate by submitting their feedback.
ABC’s response to FCC pressure on broadcast licensing is encouraging viewers to rally around The View
According to TheWrap, the network said, “ABC believes it is important for the public to know what is happening, what’s at stake, and how to engage directly in the process if they want to make their voices heard.”
The show’s hour-long segment will be promoted through local station spots running across all dayparts in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Philadelphia, Houston, San Francisco, Raleigh-Durham, and Fresno. Promotional images will also appear across OTV sites, TheView.tv, ABC.com, and social media platforms.
The proceedings follow the FCC’s issuance of new guidance in January, warning that late-night and daytime talk shows “will not be exempt from the equal opportunities requirements put in place by Congress.” Under the Communications Act of 1934, those protections were established “to ensure equal access to broadcast station facilities for legally qualified candidates for office, regardless of political affiliation.”
ABC is also contesting the FCC’s demand for early license renewals. The network said it filed the renewal applications “under protest” in response to what it called the agency’s “unlawful, arbitrary, and unconstitutional” order.
“The Commission had not demanded early renewal in over five decades,” ABC said. “The Order has no legitimate purpose… and is plainly incompatible with the First Amendment.”
The public can submit comments through the FCC’s Electronic Comment Filing System, with the deadline for The View proceeding set for Monday and replies due July 6.
WILL YOU BE SUBMITTING YOUR OPINIONS TO THE FCC?
