ANA NAVARRO blasted the Federal Communications Commission’s equal-time provision during a CNN appearance, hours after FCC Chairman Brendan Carr announced enforcement action against ABC’s ‘The View’ for interviewing Texas Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico.

Navarro, a regular co-host on the daytime talk show, called the rule a relic from 1927 that fails to match today’s media environment. ‘There wasn’t even TV networks then,’ she said on ‘CNN Newsnight.’ ‘It was reformed in 1934 for radio and in 1959 to exempt news programs when there were just three networks. ‘The View’ falls under ABC’s news division.’

She argued the rule’s enforcement appears targeted. Streaming platforms and social media now draw bigger audiences than many cable or network programs, Navarro said, yet regulators focus on traditional broadcasts. ‘It seems like the application of these rules is very selective — only for these folks, but not for radio,’ she added.

Navarro predicted backlash for Republicans. ‘There may come a president in the next term who decides to apply it to talk radio. Let’s see how Republicans like it.’

Carr confirmed the probe Wednesday, building on guidance he issued in January. That document warned late-night and daytime talk shows might not qualify for exemptions from equal-opportunity requirements, which Congress established to prevent broadcasters from favoring candidates.

The FCC action stems from ‘The View’ hosting Talarico in late 2023, weeks after airing an appearance by his opponent, Rep. Jasmine Crockett, D-Texas. Carr described the proceedings on Fox News as a step to hold broadcasters accountable and stop ‘legacy media from picking winners and losers in elections.’

The controversy spilled over to CBS. Host Stephen Colbert revealed Monday that network lawyers blocked his planned broadcast interview with Talarico, forcing it to YouTube. ‘He was supposed to be here, but we were told in no uncertain terms by our network’s lawyers who called us directly that we could not have him on the broadcast,’ Colbert said. He added that lawyers instructed him not even to mention the cancellation on air.

CBS pushed back in a statement. ”The Late Show’ was not prohibited by CBS from broadcasting the interview with Rep. James Talarico,’ the network said.

Carr seized on CBS’s response during an appearance with Fox News host Laura Ingraham. He argued compliance with the rule would grant more airtime to Democrats, fulfilling the provision’s goal of balance.

Navarro’s comments highlight broader tensions over how federal rules apply to evolving media. Talk radio hosts like Sean Hannity and Mark Levin dominate conservative airwaves without similar scrutiny, according to critics. The equal-time rule requires stations to offer comparable airtime to opposing candidates if they provide it to one, but exemptions cover news and debate formats.

ABC has not commented publicly on the FCC probe. Carr’s aggressive stance marks a shift; previous chairs rarely enforced the rule against talk shows. In 2023 alone, the FCC fielded complaints about uneven coverage during the presidential race, though most targeted conservative outlets.

The probe’s outcome could reshape daytime TV. ‘The View,’ which averages 2.5 million viewers daily, blends commentary with news segments under ABC News oversight. Legal experts say proving exemption status hinges on editorial intent, not just labels.

Colbert’s defiance highlights industry pushback. By posting the Talarico interview online, he sidestepped broadcast rules that don’t apply to digital platforms. YouTube views for the clip topped 500,000 within days.