Additional Coverage:
- Opinion: Harris’ ‘SNL’ appearance likely violated FCC rules. There’s nothing funny about it. (newsbreak.com)
Kamala Harris’ appearance on “Saturday Night Live” has raised concerns about election law violations. Despite clear regulations against candidates appearing on the show, Harris’ appearance was a major boost for her campaign.
The Federal Communications Commission’s equal-time rule requires broadcasters to provide equal airtime to all candidates. However, NBC and “SNL” ignored these rules, giving Harris a significant advantage.
NBC’s decision to air the sketch, which thinly veiled Harris’ campaign themes, was seen as a deliberate attempt to bypass FCC regulations. Commissioner Brendan Carr denounced the move as a gross violation and accused NBC of targeting undecided voters for Harris.
Trump’s campaign has confirmed that they were not offered equal time, and Senator Tim Kaine, who is also running for reelection, was also featured in the sketch. Despite warnings from the show’s creator and the FCC, “SNL” producers chose to ignore them.
NBC’s subsequent filing with the FCC acknowledges the violation, but the true joke may be on the public. With the media largely supporting Harris, violations of FCC rules may seem trivial in the face of purported threats to democracy.
However, some Democrats, like Rep. Jamie Raskin, are echoing Trump’s rhetoric by suggesting they may not accept a Trump victory unless it is deemed “free and fair,” despite previously criticizing Trump for similar statements.