ABC Sues Government Over Alleged First Amendment Violations For Political Coverage

BreakingBusinessABC Sues Government Over Alleged First Amendment Violations For Political CoverageByAntonio Pequeño IV,Forbes Staff. Pequeño is a breaking news reporter who covers tech and more.Follow AuthorMay 08, 2026, 01:39pm EDT--:-- / --:--This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.ToplineABC accused the Federal Communications Commission on Thursday of violating its First Amendment rights after the agency launched a probe into the network’s political coverage — as tensions between the network and Trump administration mount weeks after the FCC announced a review of ABC-owned broadcasting licenses.The petition was filed Thursday.Photo by Gary Hershorn/Getty ImagesKey FactsA petition, filed by a local ABC station in Texas, argues that the FCC’s probe into “The View” over its political coverage threatens to limit news coverage of political candidates” and chill protected speech “for years and potentially decades to come.”The FCC launched an investigation into “The View” in February, focusing on whether the program gives equal airtime to political candidates.ABC argued that “The View” qualifies for the “news interview exemption” under FCC rules — which allows broadcasters to feature political candidates on news interview programs without the “equal time” rule, which otherwise forces broadcasters to give equal airtime to all opposing candidates.ABC’s petition could trigger an intense and high-stakes legal battle, according to The New York Times, which first reported the petition and noted Thursday’s filing is signed by Paul D. Clement, a highly experienced Supreme Court litigator.Forbes has reached out to the FCC for comment.Got a tip? Share confidential information with Forbes.Editorial StandardsReprints & PermissionsLOADING VIDEO PLAYER...FORBES’ FEATURED Video