FCC Chairman Brendan Carr told reporters on Feb. 18 that the agency is “taking a look” at The View and is exploring “an enforcement action” following the show’s recent appearance by James Talarico, a Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate in Texas. The show has reportedly been under investigation since earlier in the month for a potential violation of the FCC’s Equal Time Rule, which requires broadcasters to provide comparable airtime to opposing candidates if requested.
PEOPLE reported that The View did not comment; a network source said the program regularly hosts elected officials and candidates “from across the political spectrum,” and noted that Rep. Jasmine Crockett—identified as one of Talarico’s Democratic primary opponents—also appeared recently.
Carr’s remarks followed a separate dispute at CBS: Stephen Colbert said he was blocked from airing a broadcast interview with Talarico after CBS lawyers cited equal-time concerns. CBS said the interview was not prohibited but that legal guidance warned a broadcast could trigger equal-time obligations for other candidates, including Crockett.