theguardian.com
SNL, Equal Time, and the 2024 Election
NBC gave Trump equal time after Kamala Harris appeared on SNL, sparking debate over FCC rules and equal access for political candidates.
English
United Kingdom
PoliticsUs PoliticsEntertainmentElectionMediaFccEqual Time
NbcFccSnlNascarTrump Campaign
Kamala HarrisDonald TrumpBrendan CarrJoe BidenLorne Michaels
- How did NBC and the Trump campaign respond to the "equal time" issue?
- Trump's campaign complained about Harris's SNL appearance, while NBC provided Trump with a post-NASCAR race address to provide equal time. The address included various claims, including a prediction of an impending depression.
- What prompted the FCC commissioner's claim of an "equal time" violation?
- An FCC commissioner claimed Kamala Harris's appearance on SNL violated equal time rules because it favored one candidate before the election. NBC responded by giving Donald Trump equal time to address voters during a NASCAR race broadcast.
- What are the scope and purpose of the "equal time" rule in US broadcasting?
- The "equal time" rule mandates that US television and radio stations provide equal access to political candidates, but this doesn't apply to cable networks or other media. The rule's purpose is to avoid biased or partisan conduct by broadcasters.
- What is the difference between the "equal time" rule and the Fairness Doctrine?
- The "equal time" rule is distinct from the Fairness Doctrine, which was abolished in 1987. Lorne Michaels, SNL's executive producer, explained that the show cannot feature only one candidate due to equal time provisions and election laws.
- What was the content of Kamala Harris's SNL sketch and its relation to Donald Trump?
- Harris's SNL sketch satirized Trump's recent speeches, including his appearance at a rally where a comedian made a racist joke about Puerto Rico. The sketch also referenced a video of Trump struggling to open a garbage truck door.