Kamala Harris’ “SNL” Appearance May Have Violated FCC Equal Time Rule, Commissioner Says
Kamala Harris’ “SNL” Appearance May Have Violated FCC Equal Time Rule, Commissioner Says
“Saturday Night Live” might be facing a hefty fine due to Kamala Harris’ recent appearance on the show.
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A report from The Hollywood Reporter states that ahead of the sitting VP’s comedic debut last night (November 2nd), a commissioner for the FCC claimed “SNL” likely violated the organization’s equal time rule, which requires American TV and radio stations to offer equal time to rival political candidates.
The commissioner, who was reportedly appointed by Harris’ opponent Donald Trump back in 2017 during his first run as president, stated about the matter:
“This is a clear and blatant effort to evade the FCC’s Equal Time rule,”
He added:
“The purpose of the rule is to avoid exactly this type of biased and partisan conduct – a licensed broadcaster using the public airwaves to exert its influence for one candidate on the eve of an election…Unless the broadcaster offered Equal Time to other qualifying campaigns.”
At this time it’s unclear whether or not NBC reached out to Trump to have him on the show.
The report notes, however, that “SNL” executive producer Lorne Michaels previously stated they wouldn’t contact either presidential candidate because of the equal time rule.
Did you watch VP Harris’ SNL skit?