Kamala Harris on ‘SNL’ violated FCC equal time rule, Carr claims
Kamala Harris’ surprise appearance on NBC’s “Saturday Night Live” on Nov. 2 was “a clear and blatant attempt to circumvent the FCC’s Equal Time Rule,” Republican Commissioner Brendan Carr claimed in a social media post.
Harris appeared in the ‘SNL’ cold-open skit as herself, interacting onstage with Maya Rudolph, who has portrayed the Democratic VP and presidential candidate on the show. In the skit, Harris poked fun at Donald Trump and said the election offers an opportunity to “end the drama.”
The FCC Rules for Political Programming “To seek to ensure that no legally qualified candidate for office is unfairly given less access to the airwaves – other than bona fide news exemptions – than his opponent,” the agency said. “Equal opportunity generally means providing comparable time and placement to opposing candidates,” but “does not require a station to offer opposing candidates programs identical to the initiating candidate.”
In a message on X Saturday night before Harris’ “SNL” appearance, Carr, a Trump appointee, wrote: “The purpose of the rule is to avoid exactly this type of biased and partisan behavior — a credentialed broadcaster using the public airwaves to exert its influence for one candidate on the eve of elections. Unless the broadcaster offered Equal Time to other qualifying campaigns.”
The FCC rule requires that, in the event of an appearance by a “legally qualified candidate,” a broadcaster “address equal opportunity requests by opposing legally qualified candidates for the same position.” However, the station is not obligated to seek out legally qualified candidates and provide them with equal opportunities.”
SEE ALSO: Kamala Harris Mocks Donald Trump During ‘SNL’ Appearance, Urges Americans to ‘Keep Kamala and Carry On’
According to a source, “Saturday Night Live” had not made an offer to Trump’s campaign to have him appear on the show.
In a statement Sunday, an FCC spokesperson said: “The FCC has not made any decisions regarding the rules for political programming, nor have we received any complaints from interested parties.” Representatives for NBC and the Trump campaign declined to comment. The Harris campaign did not respond to a request for comment on Sunday.
Trump has not appeared on “Saturday Night Live” this season, which is celebrating its 50th. He has hosted the show twice, once in 2004 and once when he was a presidential candidate in 2015.
In preparation for Harris’ “SNL” cameo, Rudolph said, “This is it: the final campaign stop in Pennsylvania.” Gosh, I wish I could talk to someone who’s been in my shoes, you know? A black South Asian woman running for president…preferably from the Bay Area?” The audience then clapped and cheered as Harris was revealed on the other side of the mirror, telling Rudolph, “You and me both, sister.”
“Now Kamala: take my palm-ala,” said Rudolph. “The American people want to stop the chaos.”
“And end the drama,” Harris replied. “With a cool new stepmom-ala. Sit back in our pajamas and watch a rom-com-ala,” Rudolph continued. “Like ‘Legally Blonde’-ala!” Harris said. “And start decorating for Christmas – fa-la-la-la-la,” Rudolph said.
At the end of the sketch, Rudolph said, “I’m going to vote for us!” to which Harris asked, “Is there any chance you are registered in Pennsylvania?”
“SNL” also posted a behind-the-scenes clip with Harris and Rudolph:
