NBC grants Trump campaign equal air time following Kamala Harris’ ‘SNL’ appearance

NBC has granted former President Donald Trump’s campaign equal airtime, following Vice President Kamala Harris’ recent appearance on 'Saturday Night Live' (SNL). This decision, tied to FCC’s Equal Time Rule, provided Trump with 90 seconds of screen time during Sunday’s NASCAR coverage and an additional minute on 'Sunday Night Football,' where he addressed viewers wearing a red “Make America Great Again” cap, urging Americans to vote.

Harris’ SNL cameo, featuring a skit alongside Maya Rudolph, sparked FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr’s concern, labeling it a potential rule violation, as it aired within seven days of election day. The FCC’s Equal Time Rule, while not demanding identical content, requires networks to offer comparable exposure if requested. Trump's campaign capitalized on this opportunity, with NBC airing his message during two high-visibility broadcasts.

Harris’ SNL segment has not only prompted NBC’s response but also raised discussions on media obligations during election cycles. As the race intensifies, any further candidate requests for equal time will likely lead NBC to secure additional slots across popular programming to maintain compliance.