
ABC is facing formal complaints with both the FCC and FEC after accusations surfaced that the network showed clear bias during a September debate between President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris. The Center for American Rights claims that ABC moderators unfairly targeted Trump with fact-checks while avoiding tough questions for Harris.
In the FCC complaint, the Center argues that ABC violated its public service obligations by not presenting an impartial debate. They allege that moderators avoided critical issues like President Biden’s cognitive decline and the assassination attempt on Trump, giving Harris an unfair advantage.
Daniel Suhr, an attorney with the Center, emphasized that ABC’s actions were more akin to political promotion than an actual debate. He stated that Harris was given a free pass on several false statements, which should have been challenged.
The FEC complaint takes the matter further, alleging that ABC’s debate coverage amounted to an illegal in-kind donation to Harris’ campaign. According to the Center, if ABC had charged Harris for the prime-time airtime, it would have cost millions, which makes it an unreported contribution.
Both the FCC and FEC are expected to investigate, but no immediate action is anticipated. ABC has not yet commented on the complaints.