Disney Files FCC Objection Over Regulation of 'The View' Guests

The company has shifted its approach toward federal oversight of its content, moving from initial compliance to firmer resistance on specific issues. In a filing with the federal government this week, the company pushed back against efforts to regulate which guests can appear on "The View," describing those efforts as unprecedented and a threat to free speech.

The objection centers on the FCC's use of its equal time clause to influence programming decisions on daytime television. While the dispute is formally with the FCC, the agency head was appointed by the current administration and has been described as aligned with its priorities.

The company is aware that its critique will be received in that context.

This marks the second time in recent weeks that the company has resisted pressure from the White House. Last month, after public calls to punish a late-night host for a joke involving the president's family, the FCC announced it would review the company's broadcast licenses years ahead of schedule.

The host has remained on air and continued making similar jokes. The company had previously taken steps to accommodate administration preferences. In the fall of 2024, after the presidential election but before the inauguration, it settled a defamation suit by paying $15 million to the president's planned presidential library.

In the fall of 2025, it briefly removed the late-night host from the air following a complaint from the FCC chair about another joke involving the president.

Public outcry over the suspension led the previous CEO to reinstate the host after a few days. The company has not publicly criticized the administration, but it is no longer granting all requested actions. " The company has retained a prominent conservative attorney who has argued numerous cases before the Supreme Court to handle the matter.

The company directed inquiries back to its FCC filing. It has stated that it prefers not to be in conflict with the federal government and seeks to maintain its audience across all political affiliations, including viewers of its shows, movies, theme parks and cruise ships.

The filing also references a similar dispute that arose months earlier involving another network's late-night program.