Disney Asks FCC to Classify ‘The View’ as Bona Fide News Program

WASHINGTON — The Walt Disney Company has filed a formal petition asking the Federal Communications Commission to reclassify its long-running daytime talk show The View as a “bona fide news program.”

The request was made public this week after FCC Chairman Brendan Carr specifically invited public comments on the matter. Carr urged Americans to weigh in on whether the ABC program, hosted by Whoopi Goldberg, Joy Behar, Sunny Hostin, Sara Haines, and Alyssa Farah Griffin, qualifies as legitimate news under FCC regulations.

Under current rules, programs designated as bona fide news are exempt from certain equal time provisions that require broadcasters to offer comparable airtime to opposing political candidates. Disney argues that The View frequently discusses current events, politics, and public policy, and therefore meets the criteria for news programming.

The petition has sparked significant debate. Supporters of the move say the show regularly features news-related segments and interviews with newsmakers. Critics contend that The View is primarily an opinion and entertainment program that often delivers partisan commentary rather than objective journalism.

Chairman Carr emphasized the importance of public input, stating that the FCC should hear directly from viewers and stakeholders before making a determination on the show’s regulatory status.

The public comment period is now open. The FCC will review all submissions before issuing a decision. The outcome could set a precedent for how similar daytime talk shows are classified in the future.

This is the latest development in ongoing discussions about media classification, political balance, and regulatory oversight of broadcast content.