Trump campaign gets equal time from NBC after Harris’ ‘SNL’ appearance

Trump campaign gets equal time from NBC after Harris' 'SNL' appearance

As a movie buff with a keen interest in politics and a deep appreciation for television history, I find myself intrigued by this unique dance between entertainment and politics, as exemplified in the recent equal time request made by former President Trump’s campaign following Vice President Kamala Harris’ appearance on “Saturday Night Live.


In response to a request made by the team of former President Trump, NBC granted an equivalent airtime on their network, as they usually do when a political figure appears, after Vice President Kamala Harris’ appearance on “Saturday Night Live.” This occurred only a few days prior to the election on Tuesday.

On Saturday night, Harris joined Maya Rudolph in the opening skit. It was a surprise appearance as Rudolph, who often portrays the Democratic presidential candidate on the show, was initially scheduled to fly to Detroit for a campaign event. However, her flight was rerouted to New York City just before the 11:30 p.m. Eastern broadcast.

NBC submitted a request for equivalent airtime to the Federal Communications Commission, indicating that Harris was featured on their network for approximately one minute and a half.

Trump campaign gets equal time from NBC after Harris' 'SNL' appearance

Based on sources privy to the conversations, it’s been reported that Trump’s campaign team reached out to the network, asking for airtime. The network granted this request, and Trump was provided with two complimentary 60-second spots. These spots aired towards the end of their NASCAR playoff race broadcast and during post-game analysis of the “Sunday Night Football” game between the Minnesota Vikings and Indianapolis Colts, which ended with the Vikings winning 21-13.

Other legally qualifying presidential candidates on the ballot can request time as well.

The equal time provision is established to prevent any legitimate political contender from receiving disadvantageous access to public broadcasting compared to their rivals. It’s important to note that news programs generally don’t fall under this regulation, meaning a broadcaster isn’t obligated to offer the same programming to all candidates seeking office.

The rule applies only to broadcasters who use the public airwaves. It does not apply to cable or streaming outlets.

NBC has dealt with equal time issues before on its entertainment programs.

In 2007, the TV network decided not to broadcast episodes of “Law & Order: SVU” featuring Fred Thompson, a former U.S. Senator who portrayed District Attorney Arthur Branch in the series, following his announcement that he was seeking the 2008 Republican presidential nomination.

In 2015, when Trump announced his presidential campaign, a rule mandated that he step down from his position as the lead on NBC’s reality show, “The Celebrity Apprentice.

Back in 2011, as speculation swirled about his potential candidacy against Barack Obama, Trump made it clear during an NBC advertising event at Radio City Music Hall that he wouldn’t be joining the race and instead, his TV series would return for another season.

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2024-11-05 01:01

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