News Classification

Disney Shareholder Flags 'The View' as Non-News in FCC Docket 24-275

A long-time Disney shareholder, Troy McKie, has submitted a comment to FCC Docket 24-275, arguing that ABC's "The View" should not be classified as a "bona fide news program." The filing, dated May 22, 2026, expresses concern that the program, which McKie characterizes as a "partisan talk show," improperly benefits from exemptions typically afforded to news-oriented content on network television. This intervention highlights ongoing debates within media regulation regarding content classification and the implications for broadcasters. The regulatory context often differentiates between entertainment, commentary, and journalistic news, with specific rules and expectations attached to each, particularly concerning fairness, balance, and public interest obligations. McKie's comment suggests that "The View" strategically oscillates between claiming entertainment status to avoid scrutiny and presenting itself as news to leverage certain advantages. This filing, while from an individual investor, sheds light on the public's perception of media content and could subtly influence regulatory discussions as the FCC considers the boundaries and definitions of 'news' in an increasingly fragmented and opinionated media landscape. Key stakeholders include broadcast networks like Disney/ABC, consumer advocacy groups, and other content producers who operate under these regulatory classifications, all of whom have vested interests in how such distinctions are drawn and enforced.