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NBC files ‘concurrent’ notice with FCC after Harris appears on ‘SNL’

Vaseline November 5, 2024

NBC has filed a notice with the Federal Communications Commission and will give former President Donald Trump “equal time” following a brief appearance by Vice President Kamala Harris on “Saturday Night Live.”

Harris appeared Saturday on the sketch comedy show, hosted by John Mulaney, in a skit in which he gave advice in the mirror to comedian Maya Rudolph, who played Harris in the run-up to the election.

After her brief stint on the show, FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr posted on X, formerly Twitter, that it was a “clear and blatant attempt to circumvent the FCC’s Equal Time Rule.” Carr, a senior Republican on the committee appointed by Trump, further suggested that NBC should spend equal time on “other qualifying campaigns.”

Kamala Harris stops by ‘SNL’ in the final episode before the election

Kamala Harris stopped by “Saturday Night Live” to give Maya Rudolph some last-minute advice.

In the notice filed Sunday, NBC said Harris appeared on “SNL” “without charge” for 1 minute and 30 seconds. The broadcaster provided Trump airtime on Sunday, CNN’s Brian Stelter reported, giving the former president a chance to address viewers directly during the NASCAR 2024 Cup playoff race.

Carr appeared on the Fox News show “The Ingraham Angle” with host Laura Ingraham on Sunday to discuss Harris’ cameo.

“I think every option should be on the table for the FCC because not only do we have to respond to this if it turns out to be as clear a violation as it seems, but it also sends a message to deter anyone from doing this . again, whether it benefits a Republican or a Democrat,” Carr told Ingraham.

What is the FCC’s equal-time rule?

The FCC’s equal-time rule requires U.S. radio and television stations to provide equal access to competing political candidates. The rules do not apply to cable channels or other video content, including podcasts or social media.

If Donald Trump were to request equal time from NBC after Harris’ appearance on “SNL,” the broadcaster would have to provide it before Election Day on Tuesday.

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(This story has been updated with new information.)