FCC head considers probe into 'The View' amid Kimmel controversy
Federal Communications Commission Chairman Brendan Carr dropped a bombshell on Thursday, suggesting that ABC’s daytime talker "The View" might be ripe for investigation over potential broadcast rule violations. This comes hot on the heels of the indefinite suspension of "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" for controversial remarks.
According to Fox News, Carr raised concerns on "The Scott Jennings Show" about whether "The View" complies with the FCC’s "equal time" rule, which mandates fair access for political candidates unless a program qualifies as a legitimate news show. He questioned whether the heavily left-leaning program truly fits that exemption.
"Potentially, I would assume you can make the argument that ‘The View’ is a bona fide news show, but I'm not so sure about that," Carr stated. His skepticism cuts to the heart of a broader issue: when does opinion masquerade as news, and at what cost to fairness?
Scrutiny Mounts Over 'The View’s' Political Leanings
Data from the Media Research Center reveals a stark imbalance, with "The View" hosting 63 liberal guests, including nine Democratic politicians, between January and April 2025, while not a single right-leaning political voice appeared. This isn’t just a tilt; it’s a full-on lean that raises eyebrows about the show’s claim to balanced discourse.
The Trump administration has also taken aim at the show, with a White House spokesperson warning in July that continued attacks on President Donald Trump could risk the program being pulled off-air. Such pointed criticism from high levels signals that patience for perceived bias is wearing thin.
An entertainment lawyer with ties to ABC and other networks told Fox News Digital that "The View" might be next in line for serious consequences. "I think ‘The View’ is next," the lawyer noted, hinting that the show’s overtly progressive branding could be its undoing.
Kimmel Suspension Sets Precedent for Action
Carr’s comments follow the abrupt suspension of "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" after the host’s inflammatory monologue about the Charlie Kirk assassin. Kimmel remarked, "We hit some new lows over the weekend with the MAGA gang desperately trying to characterize this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them and doing everything they can to score political points from it."
That kind of rhetoric, in Carr’s view, crosses a line, prompting him to criticize ABC and Disney for failing to uphold public interest standards. It’s a reminder that broadcasters operate under a unique obligation, one that doesn’t apply to other media platforms.
Prior to the suspension announcement, Carr had already taken ABC to task over Kimmel’s conduct, signaling his intent to enforce accountability. His stance is clear: networks can’t hide behind entertainment when their words carry real-world weight.
FCC’s Renewed Focus on Public Interest
Carr emphasized his mission as FCC chairman to reinvigorate the concept of public interest among broadcasters, who operate under licenses granted by the agency. "They have a license granted by us at the FCC, and that comes with it an obligation to operate in the public interest," he declared.
He also issued a subtle warning to networks like ABC, stating, "Look, we can do this the easy way or the hard way. These companies can find ways to change conduct, to take action, frankly, on Kimmel, or, you know, there's going to be additional work for the FCC ahead."
This isn’t just bureaucratic posturing; it’s a call for self-correction before regulatory hammers fall. Carr’s words suggest that the days of unchecked editorializing on public airwaves might be numbered.
ABC’s Silence and the Road Ahead
Interestingly, "The View" avoided addressing the Kimmel suspension on Thursday’s broadcast, and an ABC source confirmed to Fox News Digital that Friday’s pre-taped episode won’t touch the topic either. While the show might tackle it eventually, this silence speaks volumes about the network’s caution—or perhaps discomfort.
With Carr pushing for a deeper look into whether "The View" qualifies as a bona fide news program, the stakes are high for ABC and Disney. The network’s failure to respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment only fuels the perception of dodging accountability.
Ultimately, this saga underscores a critical tension: broadcasters wield immense influence, but with that comes a duty to serve all sides of the public square. If "The View" can’t balance its act, it might find itself not just under scrutiny, but on the wrong side of the FCC’s rulebook.




