FCC Accuses NBC of Equal Time Violation Over Harris's Surprise SNL Appearance Before Election

Nov 3, 2024, 03:08 PM

FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr has accused NBC and 'Saturday Night Live' (SNL) of violating the Federal Communications Commission's Equal Time rule by featuring Vice President Kamala Harris in a skit shortly before the election. Harris's surprise appearance on SNL, kept secret until hours before airing and occurring just 60 hours before polls open, was called a 'clear and blatant effort' by Carr to evade regulations designed to prevent broadcasters from unfairly influencing voters. The Equal Time rule requires television stations to provide equal airtime to all legally qualified political candidates. Carr's comments have prompted the Trump campaign to consider filing a complaint with the FCC for the alleged violation. NBC has been criticized for not inviting former President Donald Trump to appear on the show, potentially breaching the rule's requirements.