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Broadcasting · FCC · Media · Regulatory
Disney's ABC launched a public campaign urging "The View" audience to engage with the FCC regarding an order for early license renewals for eight of its stations, an action Disney labels "unlawful, arbitrary, and unconstitutional." The campaign, which began Monday, targets the Trump administration's Federal Communications Commission, led by Chairman Brendan Carr.
The FCC ordered Disney to file renewals for eight stations years ahead of schedule. Separately, the FCC probed "The View" for potential "equal-time" election law violations following a Democratic Senate candidate's appearance, issuing new guidance for political figures on daytime and late-night programs.
Disney's advertisements, airing on "The View" and across eight ABC stations (WABC, KABC, WLS, WPVI, KTRK, KGO, WTVD, KFSN), warn viewers of FCC control over guests and threats to take stations off air. This strategy mirrors Disney's past tactics in distributor disputes, leveraging public pressure.
Commissioner Carr stated Disney seeks to classify "The View" as a "bona fide news program" to exempt it from equal-time requirements. The campaign directs viewers to leave online comments with the FCC, entering a corresponding docket number.