NBC News had to air former President Donald Trump on Sunday, after it violated Federal Communications Commission rules by giving Vice-President Kamala Harris a slot on Saturday Night Live.
The approximately 60 second Trump ad appeared Sunday at the conclusion of NBC’s broadcasting of NASCAR’s Xfinity 500 race in Martinsville Speedway.
Trump wore a “Make America Great Again ” hat and highlighted the failed policies of the Biden/Harris Administration, the recent disastrous job report, as well as warning that a depression was imminent.
Trump, standing in front of multiple American flags, said: “We must straighten our country out, we must close our borders. We have to lower taxes. We have to eliminate inflation.” “And we will do it.” Remember, Kamala’s friends broke it and I will fix it.
The blatant interference in the election that NBC News committed on Saturday, when they gave Harris a 90-second slot which was very pro-Kamala, is not comparable to the ad space provided at the last minute to Trump.
SNL began with a mockery against Trump and vice-presidential candidate J.D. Vance was promoting the Democrat ticket before Maya Rudolph, who played Harris, began shilling. Harris appears to offer advice to the fake Harris about six and a quarter minutes into the obvious Harris advertisement.
Harris tells Rudolph that she can open doors, something her opponent is unable to do. Rudolph then begins to praise the real Harris.
Rudolph stated that “the American people wants to stop the chaos”.
Harris added, “And end the Drama-la–“.
Rudolph said, “We’ll watch a romantic comedy in our pajamas-las with a new, cool stepmom.”
Harris: “Like Legally Blonde”-ala. Harris then asked Rudolph if he was registered to vote in Pennsylvania.
Michael Shellenberger , CBR Chair of Political Censorship, Free Speech, and Censorship at the University of Austin, argued on X that Trump’s appearance Sunday was not “comparable to Harris'” — as required by FCC rules.
The SNL skit is funny, humanizing, and was created by some of the best minds on television. Shellenberger wrote in her post that the Trump campaign “had to come up with something at the last moment.”
“And as of right now, more than 9 million people have viewed the video on YouTube.” “There’s no chance that 9 million people would see the Trump message NBC played after NASCAR.”
Brendan Carr, Republican FCC commissioner, said on X in a thread that Harris’ appearance at SNL violated the FCC “Equal Time Rule”. The Equal Time Rule stipulates that broadcasters must give qualified candidates “comparable placement and time” on air.
Carr alleged that NBC had structured Harris’ appearance so as to avoid these requirements. What comparable time and place can they offer to all other qualified candidates?”
Carr emphasized that independent presidential candidates Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and Jill Stein are also eligible candidates.
Carr explained by saying that “another complicating element” was added.
“Since SNL did a secret 180 just 50 hours before the election, their decision violates the seven-day rule of the Equal Time Statute.” The FCC’s seven-day rule gives qualifying candidates a week to ask for their Equal Time.
Carr explained that the seven-day rule allows each candidate ample time to plan how they’ll use their time. Carr said that SNL “structured… the candidate appearance (just a few hours before an elections) in a manner that denied all other candidates their procedural one-week right.”
Tim Kaine, a failed vice-presidential candidate and Virginia Democrat Senator, was also given time by SNL. SNL had to give Hung Cao equal time as well, because of the Equal Time clause. Cao, in a Statement posted on X, said he does not agree with the calls to sue NBC over alleged Equal Time violations.
Cao stated, “I was talking to 12 towns in Virginia yesterday about how we will secure our border and lower prices while Tim was being an human joke in New York City.”
The Center for American Rights filed a Complaint on Sunday “demanding that FCC enforce federal law and fine NBC for their willful violation of the basic principles of broadcasting.” Lorne Michals, SNL’s Executive Producer, had previously stated that neither candidate would be appearing on the show in order to avoid violating Equal Time. CAR claimed that Michaels was aware of the Equal Time rule violation because he made the last-minute change.
Brianna Lyman works as an elections reporter at The Federalist. Brianna Lyman graduated with a degree from Fordham University in International Political Economy. Her work has appeared on Newsmax and Fox News. Follow Brianna at X: @briannalyman2
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