NBC’s “Saturday Night Live” could face scrutiny over potential violation of federal airtime regulations following Vice President Kamala Harris’s appearance on the show, according to FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr. Harris’s appearance on the popular comedy show, which aired on the eve of the upcoming presidential election, has raised questions about the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) Equal Time Rule, which mandates that broadcast networks provide equal opportunities to all legally qualified political candidates during an election season.
Carr voiced concern on social media shortly after the show aired, saying that if NBC did not offer former President Donald Trump an equivalent opportunity, the network might be in violation of the FCC rule.
“This is a clear and blatant effort to evade the FCC’s Equal Time rule,” Carr stated. “The rule is designed to prevent exactly this type of biased and partisan conduct — a licensed broadcaster using the public airwaves to favor one candidate just before an election.”
The Equal Time Rule aims to ensure fair media access for all political candidates, restricting broadcasters from giving one candidate an advantage without offering equal exposure to their opponent. For a broadcast network to comply, they must offer similar airtime slots and opportunities to all qualified candidates.
Trump campaign Senior Advisor Jason Miller confirmed to Fox News Digital that former President Trump had not received an invitation to appear on “SNL.” This was further supported by NBC’s lack of response on whether they had reached out to Trump for a guest appearance.
The FCC has long enforced the Equal Time Rule, primarily during election seasons, to maintain balance in media coverage. If the rule was indeed violated, NBC could face FCC penalties. The rule has been a foundational part of U.S. broadcasting regulations for decades, stemming from concerns over broadcasters potentially using public airwaves to exert influence in favor of specific candidates.
In past elections, “Saturday Night Live” has hosted various political figures from both major parties, though equal appearances for opposing candidates have not always been guaranteed. Given the high stakes of the 2024 election and the platform’s influence, SNL’s decision to spotlight Harris just days before voting has sparked widespread discussion.
The controversy over Harris’s appearance also highlights broader concerns about media influence during elections. Critics argue that the Equal Time Rule, while well-intentioned, is often circumvented, especially with the rise of entertainment platforms engaging in political commentary.
With the election only days away, Carr has not yet indicated whether the FCC will take formal action, but he stressed that adherence to the Equal Time Rule is essential to fair media practices.
Sources:
- Fox News Digital
- NBC News
