NBC recently submitted an Equal Time notice to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in response to backlash over Kamala Harris’ recent appearance on “Saturday Night Live” (SNL). The Democratic presidential candidate’s brief cameo on the popular comedy show, lasting approximately 1 minute and 30 seconds on November 2, 2024, sparked criticism regarding potential violations of the Equal Time rule. This federal rule mandates that broadcast stations provide equal airtime to all candidates competing for a political office, and NBC’s filing now opens a limited window for other candidates to request comparable airtime.
FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr, the agency’s senior Republican official, was quick to criticize NBC’s decision to host Harris on SNL just days before the election. Carr accused NBC of showing favoritism by allowing Harris on the show without offering similar airtime to other presidential candidates, including former President Trump. He emphasized that the Equal Time rule exists to ensure broadcasters, who hold licenses granted by the federal government, operate in the public’s best interest. According to Carr, NBC’s actions contradict the spirit of this rule, which was designed to prevent networks from influencing elections by favoring specific candidates.
NBC’s response, filed with the FCC late Sunday, suggests the network considers Harris’ SNL appearance to fall under permissible free airtime as outlined by the Equal Time rule. However, Carr pointed out that unlike typical cases, which allow other candidates a week to request equal airtime, the current time frame is much shorter. Carr reiterated that all qualified candidates should be granted equivalent opportunities to access NBC’s platforms, a principle intended to prevent any unfair advantage in the public’s perception of candidates.
This controversy comes as the Equal Time rule, established in 1934, remains a central guideline for broadcast fairness during election seasons. The rule requires broadcasters to provide comparable airtime to rival political candidates but includes exceptions for news programs, documentaries, and debates. In light of Harris’ appearance, the FCC highlighted that no similar invitation was extended to Trump or other presidential hopefuls, including candidates like Jill Stein or Robert F. Kennedy Jr., both of whom remain on various ballots despite withdrawing from the race or endorsing another candidate.
Adding to the drama, Virginia Senator Tim Kaine, who appeared alongside Harris in a different skit, also prompted NBC to file an Equal Time notice for his appearance. Kaine, up for re-election in Virginia, took part in an SNL sketch where he humorously struggled to remember his own public identity. With just days remaining before Election Day, NBC’s actions have reignited discussions on the responsibilities of media outlets and the implications of political appearances on popular shows like SNL.
