"ABC is accusing the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) of violating its First Amendment rights by making "major shifts in policy and practice" that the network claims will chill free speech. The network is asking the FCC to "affirm its long-standing approach to the bona fide news interview exemption" for daytime talk show The View, and the agency's support of "public interest services provided by broadcast stations." ABC says that a series of actions from the FCC "suggests that the Commission is implementing major shifts in policy and practice," and that "requires the action of the full Commission and the oversight of the courts.""
"The agency's big shifts allegedly include an attempt to reconsider an earlier FCC finding that The View is a bona fide news show eligible for an exception to the rule requiring equal air time for political candidates, and asking ABC to file its license renewal applications early in the midst of an investigation over Disney's diversity, equity, and inclusivity (DEI) policies. The FCC did not immediately respond to a request for comment."
""Uncertainty as to the scope of broadcast licensees' editorial discretion threatens to limit news coverage of political candidates and chill core First Amendment-protected speech for years and potentially decades to come," the network writes in the filing. "As the 2026 midterm election approaches, the American people need more access to political news and more exposure to political candidates, not less.""
ABC accuses the FCC of violating First Amendment rights through major shifts in policy and practice that could chill free speech. ABC asks the FCC to reaffirm its long-standing approach to the bona fide news interview exemption for daytime talk show The View and to support public interest services provided by broadcast stations. ABC claims FCC actions suggest major policy changes, require full-commission action, and require court oversight. The alleged shifts include reconsidering an earlier finding that The View qualifies as a bona fide news show eligible for an exception to equal air time rules for political candidates. ABC also points to a request for ABC to file license renewal applications early while an investigation focuses on Disney’s diversity, equity, and inclusivity policies. The FCC did not immediately respond.
#first-amendment #fcc-regulation #broadcast-licensing #political-candidate-coverage #diversity-equity-and-inclusivity-dei
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