In a recent podcast, FCC Chair Brendan Carr raised questions about whether ABC’s “The View” should be treated as a bona fide news program. This inquiry follows the swift cancellation of Jimmy Kimmel’s show after he spread falsehoods about the assassination of Charlie Kirk. Kimmel’s offense triggered a severe response from the FCC, leading Carr to wonder if “The View” should also be held accountable under the FCC’s Equal Time Rule.
Carr’s remarks, made during a September 18, 2025, podcast with Scott Jennings, were pointed. He observed, “I think it’s worthwhile to have the FCC look into whether ‘The View,’ and some of these other programs that you have, still qualify as bona fide news programs.” His skepticism about the show’s news status suggests an active approach to ensuring broadcasting fairness. The Equal Time Rule requires broadcasting stations to provide equal airtime to all candidates in a political race. Carr is ultimately questioning if “The View” fits into that category.
As his thoughts unfolded, Carr noted, “Potentially, I would assume, you could make the argument that ‘The View’ is a bona fide news show, but I’m not so sure about that.” His concerns highlight a discontent with how some programs skirt the Equal Opportunity Rule established by Congress.
Kimmel, meanwhile, is reportedly taking the cancellation hard. According to sources, he is “absolutely f**king livid” and feels betrayed by the consequences of his own actions. During his last controversial monologue, Kimmel made incendiary comments, including, “We had some new lows over the weekend, with the MAGA gang desperately trying to characterize this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them.” He went on to criticize the president’s grieving process as childlike, drawing ire from various quarters.
In the wake of Kimmel’s ungraceful exit from television, broadcasters Nexstar and Sinclair have expressed their displeasure with the situation. Nexstar announced plans to replace Kimmel’s show with alternative programming, stating it “strongly objects to recent comments made by Mr. Kimmel concerning the killing of Charlie Kirk.” This underscores a contentious atmosphere in television where programming decisions are influenced by the controversial actions of hosts.
Compounding the drama, President Trump took the opportunity to weigh in on Kimmel’s cancellation. His commentary was dismissive and blunt, reflecting on the show’s already struggling ratings. Trump declared, “Great News for America: The ratings challenged Jimmy Kimmel Show is CANCELLED. Congratulations to ABC for finally having the courage to do what had to be done.” This sentiment serves to amplify the perception that Kimmel’s commentary was not only out of line but also damaging to his television career.
The fallout from Kimmel’s comments illustrates the unpredictable landscape of media and the live stakes involved in political commentary. As Carr pushes for a review of programs labeled as news, the implications for shows like “The View” hang in the balance. With public trust in media waning, the FCC’s potential scrutiny may reshape how networks present their content, leading to stricter compliance with political broadcasting laws.
In summary, Carr’s challenge to “The View” emphasizes a growing demand for accountability in media representation. As Kimmel finds himself out of a job, his experience serves as a cautionary tale for other commentators navigating the politically charged realm of daytime and late-night television.
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