On April 2nd, 2023, Brian Kilmeade and Guy Benson, co-hosts of Fox & Friends and Fox News Radio respectively, publicly criticized ABC’s The View for its alleged ideological imbalance. According to a new study released on April 1st, the show had featured 102 left-leaning guests and zero conservative voices this year. This sparked a flurry of discussion among conservative media outlets.
During a segment on Fox & Friends, Kilmeade highlighted the study’s findings, stating that the current composition of The View creates a one-sided narrative. He argued that the show’s lack of conservative representation limits viewers’ exposure to diverse political perspectives. "The View is becoming a platform for a single political ideology," Kilmeade said, emphasizing the importance of balanced debate in public discourse.
Benson, who has long criticized mainstream media for its perceived liberal bias, echoed Kilmeade’s concerns. He pointed out that the absence of conservative voices on the show contributes to a skewed portrayal of political issues. "American audiences deserve to see a range of viewpoints, not just one side of the argument," Benson argued, adding that the show’s current approach risks alienating a significant portion of the audience.
The study, released by the Pew Research Center, analyzed the guests featured on The View from January to March 2023. It found that 102 of the show’s guests identified as left-leaning, while no guests from the conservative spectrum were invited. The report also noted a significant increase in guests from progressive organizations and academia, further fueling the debate over media bias.
In response to the criticism, The View‘s producers stated that they aim to reflect the diversity of opinions within the American public. "We strive to provide a platform for a wide range of voices, including both progressive and conservative perspectives," a spokesperson for the show said in a statement to The New York Times. However, the show’s current lineup has not reflected this commitment, according to the study.
The controversy has reignited discussions about media bias and the responsibility of news programs to provide balanced coverage. Conservative commentators argue that the current situation underscores a broader trend of liberal dominance in mainstream media, while some media analysts suggest that the show’s audience may have shifted toward more progressive viewpoints over time.