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"The View" Faces FCC Review Over DeSantis Comments

  //media-entertainment.news-articles.net/content/ .. iew-faces-fcc-review-over-desantis-comments.html
  Published in Media and Entertainment on Friday, February 27th 2026 at 11:38 GMT by Fox Business
      Locales: District of Columbia, New York, UNITED STATES

Washington D.C. - February 27th, 2026 - ABC's daytime talk show 'The View' is facing increasing pressure as the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) continues its review of a complaint alleging a violation of the equal time provision of the Communications Act. The complaint, sparked by comments made by co-host Joy Behar last year regarding Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, has brought renewed attention to a decades-old rule struggling to adapt to the complexities of modern political discourse and the proliferation of media outlets.

FCC Chair Brendan Carr, speaking at a House Communications and Technology Subcommittee hearing on Wednesday, indicated that 'The View' faces "an uphill climb" in its response. Carr acknowledged the FCC's limited resources and the intricate process required to evaluate such complaints, a process he described as "not always straightforward." This suggests the FCC isn't necessarily focused on a swift resolution but is carefully considering the implications of this case.

The genesis of the complaint lies in Behar's April 2025 characterization of Governor DeSantis as a 'fascist' during a segment discussing his legislative actions concerning Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs at Florida's state colleges and universities. Behar's assertion - which equated DeSantis' policies with authoritarianism - ignited a firestorm of criticism and ultimately led to the formal complaint filed with the FCC.

The Communications Act of 1934, specifically Section 315, mandates that broadcasters provide equal opportunity for political candidates and parties. Originally designed to ensure fairness during election campaigns, the equal time rule requires that if a station permits one candidate to appear on its programming, it must offer equal opportunity to all other candidates for the same office. The application of this rule to commentary about a political figure outside of a declared campaign is where the legal grey area resides.

The complainant argues that Behar's strongly worded criticism constitutes 'political commentary' and therefore triggers the equal time provision. They seek a ruling that 'The View' must provide comparable airtime for DeSantis or his representatives to present their perspective. However, legal experts are divided on whether the rule truly applies in this scenario. The core question is whether a broadside attack on a politician, even a highly charged one, falls under the intent of the equal time rule, which was conceived in an era of limited broadcasting and fewer platforms for political expression.

"The original intent of the equal time rule was to prevent broadcasters from unilaterally endorsing candidates," explains Professor Eleanor Vance, a communications law specialist at Georgetown University. "It wasn't designed to police every opinion expressed about a politician. The modern media landscape, with its countless cable news channels, talk radio shows, podcasts, and social media platforms, makes enforcing such a rule incredibly difficult and potentially stifles free speech."

This case highlights a larger debate about the relevance of the equal time rule in the 21st century. Critics argue that it is an outdated regulation that hampers broadcasters' ability to provide insightful political analysis and commentary. Moreover, they contend that the rule is largely unenforceable in the age of the internet, where individuals can easily circumvent traditional media gatekeepers and disseminate their own political messages. Others, however, maintain that the rule remains a vital safeguard against media bias and ensures a level playing field for all political voices.

The FCC's decision will likely set a precedent for future cases involving political commentary on broadcast television. A ruling in favor of the complainant could open the floodgates to further complaints, potentially subjecting talk shows and news programs to a constant barrage of demands for equal time. Conversely, a dismissal of the complaint could embolden broadcasters to express more freely their opinions on political matters.

Beyond the legal ramifications, the situation raises questions about the responsibility of media personalities to maintain a degree of objectivity and fairness in their reporting and commentary. While opinion-based shows like 'The View' are not expected to adhere to the same standards as news programs, they still have a duty to present information accurately and avoid making unsubstantiated claims.

The outcome of this FCC probe could have a far-reaching impact on the future of political discourse in the United States, forcing a re-evaluation of how we balance the principles of free speech, media accountability, and equal opportunity in a rapidly changing world.