NBC has filed a notice with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) after Vice President Kamala Harris appeared on “Saturday Night Live” (SNL). The FCC’s equal time rule requires broadcasters to provide equal access to competing political candidates. In this case, Harris’ 1 minute and 30 second appearance may have triggered an obligation for NBC to offer equal time to former President Donald Trump.
The FCC has already taken action, with Commissioner Brendan Carr accusing NBC of violating the equal time rule. Carr suggests that NBC should provide equal airtime to “other qualifying campaigns,” including Trump’s. NBC maintains that Harris appeared “without charge” and provided some airtime to Trump on Sunday, during a NASCAR 2024 Cup playoff race.
The equal time rule applies to radio and television broadcasts, not cable channels or other video content. If Trump requests equal time from NBC after Harris’ appearance, the broadcaster would need to provide it before Election Day on Tuesday. The FCC’s action raises questions about the enforcement of campaign finance laws and the balance between free speech and equal access.
Source: https://eu.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/elections/2024/11/03/nbc-fcc-equal-time-harris-snl/76039040007