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MRC analysis finds The View booked 21 liberal guests and one conservative
A Media Research Centre (MRC) analysis says *The View* featured 21 guests it classed as liberal and one conservative between the start of its 30th season on 8 September and 3 November, shortly before the US midterm elections. The figures have renewed criticism of the ABC programme’s political balance, as it has also faced an FCC investigation over equal-time requirements for political candidates.
The MRC counted 56 guests overall, but included only those who discussed politics; it defined liberal guests as people critical of Donald Trump or the Republican Party. Republican senator Ted Cruz was the sole guest it classified as conservative, while Republican senator Thom Tillis was excluded because the group said he appeared to criticise Trump and promote his book. MRC president David Bozell called on the FCC to hold ABC accountable, while ABC has disputed allegations of rule violations.
In short
- MRC counted 21 liberal guests and one conservative on *The View*.
- Its review covered 8 September to 3 November.
- The FCC has investigated the programme over equal-time rules.
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The case for
Critics can argue that a programme with substantial political influence should offer a wider range of political perspectives, especially near an election, so viewers hear competing arguments and can better assess claims. The reported guest imbalance, if the classifications are sound, may reinforce concerns about whether the show gives conservative voices a fair opportunity to respond.
The case against
Defenders can argue that the figures come from an advocacy group using a contestable definition of political alignment, including whether guests criticised Trump, and do not by themselves establish unfair coverage or a breach of equal-time rules. A talk show may choose guests for their relevance and expertise, and rules concerning candidate airtime are distinct from a general requirement to balance every political viewpoint.
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Originally published by Daily Mail as “The View hosted 21 liberal guests and just one conservative in the weeks before midterm elections, analysis finds”.