FCC official statement or ruling

FCC Commissioner Claims Harris's Unannounced SNL Cameo Violated Equal Time Rule; NBC Airs Trump Ad

Nov 3, 2024, 08:05 PM

FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr, the senior Republican on the Federal Communications Commission, has accused NBC and Vice President Kamala Harris of violating the FCC's 'Equal Time' rule following Harris's unannounced 90-second appearance on 'Saturday Night Live' (SNL) on November 2, just days before the election. Carr stated that the surprise cameo was a 'clear and blatant effort to evade' regulations designed to prevent broadcasters from unfairly influencing voters. The Equal Time rule mandates that if a broadcasting station gives time to one candidate, it must afford equal time to other candidates upon request. NBC, which had previously said it would not invite either candidate on the show, has filed a notice with the FCC disclosing Harris's appearance. In response, NBC aired a 90-second advertisement featuring former President Donald Trump during its NASCAR coverage and Sunday Night Football to comply with the regulation.