ABC urges viewers to back network amid Trump’s FCC investigations

WASHINGTON, DC: Disney’s ABC has decided to deploy its most powerful assets in its clash with Trump’s Federal Communications Commission: its millions-strong viewer base.

The television network has begun airing direct appeals to the audience, urging viewers to help defend its local stations and 'The View', as it faces simultaneous investigations from the Brendan Carr-led FCC.

The media regulator currently has two investigations pending against ABC: one centered on the daytime talk show 'The View', and another examining whether the network should retain the licenses for its eight owned-and-operated local television stations.

The licenses for stations, including WABC-TV in New York, KABC-TV in Los Angeles, WLS-TV in Chicago, WPVI-TV in Philadelphia, KTRK-TV in Houston, KGO-TV in San Francisco, WTVD-TV in Raleigh-Durham, NC, and KFSN-TV in Fresno, CA, were originally scheduled to be renewed between 2028 and 2031, but the FCC expedited the process.

Meanwhile, the investigation into ‘The View’ is to determine whether the talk show violated the “equal time” rule that requires Democratic and Republican candidates to have equal airtime.

The investigation could have far-reaching consequences, potentially influencing whether ABC is allowed to retain ownership of television stations in some of the nation's most lucrative media markets.

ABC claims FCC wants control over 'who appears' on ‘The View’

The appeals urging audience support start with late veteran journalist Barbara Walters, who created ‘The View’, saying, “I had this idea for a show: Different women, different points of view.”

“'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, scan this QR code. You have until July 6th,” the narration then continues.

The QR code directs viewers to the FCC's "Express Comment" portal, where they can submit feedback on the agency's actions. According to the website, all comments will become part of the official proceedings and will be publicly accessible online. One supports your community like ABC 7.”

Sharing your stories, bringing us together, Channel 7 has proudly served you for more than 75 years. Every day, we commit to inform, entertain, and serve you. Now the FCC is questioning our commitment to the community,” it continues.

The show’s hosts have not mentioned the ad on-air, nor have they mentioned the investigation publicly since it began in February.

The appeals came as the network pushed back against the probes, calling them “unprecedented, beyond the Commission’s authority, and counterproductive to the Commission’s stated goal of encouraging free speech and open political discussion.”

FCC calls ABC’s appeal a 'campaign of misinformation'

An FCC spokesperson dismissed ABC’s advertising campaign, calling it a “campaign of misinformation.”

“Disney wants the FCC to classify ‘The View’ as a ‘bona fide news program.’ And it has chosen to run a campaign of misinformation to make its case – misleading viewers about the law. That is a choice,” the statement stated.

The FCC's investigation into ABC and ‘The View’ marks the latest front in the Trump administration's ongoing battle with major media organizations during the president's second term.

Brendan Carr, the chairman of the FCC, has opened investigations into NBC Universal, NPR, PBS, and CBS News since taking office, and Trump has personally sued several news outlets, including The New York Times, in response to critical coverage.