ABC is launching an advertising campaign to rally public support as it faces two simultaneous investigations by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) under Chairman Brendan Carr. The media regulator has opened inquiries into ABC's daytime talk show The View and is challenging the renewal of licenses for eight local television stations owned by the network.
FCC investigations target The View and station licenses
The FCC is investigating whether The View violated the equal time rule for political candidates, accepting public comments until June 22. Separately, the commission is accepting petitions to deny ABC's license renewals until June 29. Some of ABC's licenses were not set to expire until 2031, but Carr has moved up the public comment process, drawing criticism from those who call it an "open season" on the network.
ABC's ads, which began airing Monday during commercial breaks on The View, encourage viewers to voice their support to the FCC. The campaign will run until July 6 on The View and will also be published online. Targeted ads focused on the license renewal will appear in eight local markets with ABC-owned stations, including New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago.
Network defends The View and local stations
The 20-second ad opens with a clip of the late Barbara Walters, who founded The View in 1997, saying: "I had this idea for a show: different women, different points of view." A narrator then states: "The View has welcomed your favorite guests and covered the issues you care about for nearly 30 years. Now, the FCC wants to control who is allowed to appear on the show. Viewers, use your voice."
In New York, a separate ad for ABC7 says: "No one supports your community like ABC7 - sharing your stories, bringing us together. Channel 7 has proudly served you for more than 75 years ... Now the FCC is questioning our commitment to the community."
Background of FCC scrutiny
The FCC's actions follow frequent criticism of ABC by former President Donald Trump, who previously settled a lawsuit against the network for $16 million. Critics of Carr's conduct suggest the investigations are politically motivated. The Guardian has contacted Carr and the FCC for comment on ABC's advertising campaign.
