FCC Cracks Down on Talk Shows Hosting Partisan Candidates (1)

The Federal Communications Commission told broadcasters on Wednesday that talk shows and late-night programs hosting political candidates must offer their opponents equal time, an effort aimed at balancing TV airwaves seen as hyper-partisan.

The FCC’s Media Bureau said talk shows are not “bona fide” news programs that qualify for an exemption to the agency’s equal-time rules, which say a candidate should be offered comparable time and placement if their opponent appears on a non-news program.

“Shark Tank” cast Barbara Corcoran, Daniel Lubetzky, and Rashaun Williams are guests on “The View” in September 2025.

Photographer: Lou Rocco/ABC/Getty Images

TV talk shows including The View, Jimmy Kimmel Live! and The Late Show With Stephen Colbert often have Democratic candidates as guests. After ...