ABC has launched an unusual public campaign urging viewers of its daytime talk show "The View" to weigh in on a growing dispute with the Federal Communications Commission, as the network pushes back against a federal investigation that could have broader implications for its television business, The New York Times reported.

Beginning Monday, ABC aired promotional spots during commercial breaks of "The View" asking viewers to support the program amid an FCC inquiry into whether the show violated federal political broadcasting rules.

"'The View' has welcomed your favorite guests and covered the issues you care about for nearly 30 years," a narrator says in the 20-second advertisement. "Now, the FCC wants to control who is allowed to appear on the show."

The ad concludes with a QR code directing viewers to the FCC's website, where members of the public can submit comments related to agency proceedings.

The FCC has been investigating whether "The View" failed to comply with federal equal-time requirements that generally require broadcasters to provide comparable opportunities to rival political candidates.

The inquiry is part of a broader review that could also affect whether ABC retains licenses and ownership rights for local television stations in several major media markets.

The dispute marks a rare instance of a major television network using its programming to rally viewers against actions by the federal agency responsible for regulating broadcasters, according to The New York Times.

While television companies frequently appeal to viewers during carriage disputes with cable and satellite providers, direct campaigns against the FCC are uncommon because the agency oversees licensing decisions that are critical to broadcasters' operations.

The investigation comes amid a wider series of clashes between the Trump administration and major media organizations during President Donald Trump's second term.

Under FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, the agency has opened inquiries involving several prominent media organizations, including NBCUniversal, NPR, PBS, and CBS News. Trump has also pursued legal action against multiple news outlets over coverage he has criticized, including lawsuits targeting major national media organizations.

Last year, ABC parent company The Walt Disney Company reached a $15 million settlement with Trump over a lawsuit stemming from comments made during an interview on ABC's "This Week."

Disney has sharply criticized the FCC's handling of the current review process. In filings submitted to the commission, the company argued that certain agency actions were unprecedented and exceeded the FCC's legal authority.

The company said one of the commission's actions was "unprecedented, beyond the commission's authority and counterproductive" to promoting free speech and political discussion.

The FCC rejected Disney's characterization of the dispute. An agency spokeswoman said the network's television campaign was "misleading viewers about the law."

In addition to the spots airing during "The View," ABC has begun broadcasting messages on Disney-owned television stations in major markets, including New York; Los Angeles; Chicago; Philadelphia; Houston; and Fresno, California, encouraging viewers to participate in the FCC review process.