FCC Commissioner Critiques NBC for Kamala Harris's 'SNL' Appearance
FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr criticized NBC for allowing Vice President Kamala Harris to appear on "Saturday Night Live" just before Election Day, arguing it violated the FCC's equal time rule by not giving similar opportunities to other presidential candidates like Donald Trump. Carr claimed this decision seemed intended to favor Harris and called for FCC action to ensure compliance with broadcasting rules. He mentioned that this rule, established in 1934, mandates equal airtime for competing political candidates, with few exceptions. The controversy escalated as Carr noted that other candidates, including Virginia's Senator Tim Kaine, also appeared on the show, potentially breaching the same rules.
- Carr accused NBC of evading FCC rules by hosting Harris without offering equal time to Trump or other candidates.
- The equal time rule aims to maintain fairness in political broadcasting and has been in place since 1934.
- Critics highlighted that Harris's "SNL" sketch closely resembled a past appearance by Trump, raising further questions about fairness.
What did FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr say about NBC's decision to host Kamala Harris on "SNL"?
Carr criticized NBC for allegedly violating the equal time rule by hosting Harris just before the election without offering equal time to other candidates like Donald Trump.
What is the equal time rule established by the FCC?
The equal time rule requires radio and television stations to provide equal air time to competing political candidates, ensuring fairness in political broadcasting.
Did other political figures appear on "SNL" during the same episode as Kamala Harris?
Yes, Senator Tim Kaine also appeared in the episode, which Carr mentioned could also potentially violate the equal time rule, as he is up for re-election.