Independent Women submits formal comment and drives additional public comments arguing that the opinion-driven talk show should not qualify for news interview exemption.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – As the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) public comment period on the “Apply Media Rules Fairly” regulatory drive closes, Independent Women announced filing its formal comment, urging that the agency reconsider whether ABC’s “The View” should continue qualifying as a bona fide news interview program under Section 315 of the Communications Act.
In a formal comment submitted to the FCC, Independent Women President Carrie Lukas argued “The View” functions primarily as an opinion-driven talk show whose hosts routinely engage in political commentary, advocate for policy positions, and express views about public officials and candidates.
“Based on the program’s highly opinion-driven format, its persistent political commentary, and evidence of a significant imbalance in the political viewpoints represented among its hosts and guests, Independent Women believes ‘The View’ is not the type of programming Congress intended to protect through the bona fide news interview exemption,” said Lukas.
Read Independent Women’s official comment here.
Under federal law established by Congress, some programs receive an exemption so journalists can interview public figures without triggering equal-time requirements. ABC’s “The View” currently receives that exemption because it is treated as a bona fide news interview program. Independent Women argues that “The View” should not automatically receive the same treatment as traditional news programming.
Tell the FCC: ‘The View’ Should Not Receive Special Treatment
As the FCC evaluates “The View,” Independent Women is once again mobilizing citizen engagement through its Tell the FCC: ‘The View’ Should Not Receive Special Treatment public comment drive. Submissions read, in part:
“The FCC should apply its standards fairly and consistently and conclude that ‘The View’ is not entitled to a regulatory exemption intended for bona fide news programming.”
View Independent Women’s public comment drive, which is still sharing submissions with the FCC as it reviews ABC’s “The View,” here.
Direct media inquiries and booking requests to [email protected].
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