Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

CatWoman

(79,686 posts)
Sun Nov 3, 2024, 08:02 PM Nov 3

Give me an effing break -- FCC commissioner claims Harris on 'SNL' violates 'equal time' rule

A Federal Communications Commission (FCC) commissioner has claimed that Vice President Harris’s recent appearance on “Saturday Night Live,” commonly known as “SNL,” violates the “equal time” rule.

“This is a clear and blatant effort to evade the FCC’s Equal Time rule,” Commissioner Brendan Carr posted on the social platform X on Saturday in response to a post from The Associated Press about Harris being on the show that night.

“The purpose of the rule is to avoid exactly this type of biased and partisan conduct — a licensed broadcaster using the public airwaves to exert its influence for one candidate on the eve of an election. Unless the broadcaster offered Equal Time to other qualifying campaigns,” Carr, a Trump appointee, continued.

The FCC’s “equal time” rules let rival candidates ask for equal air time.

Carr, the senior Republican on the commission, was appointed by former President Trump.

https://thehill.com/homenews/4968217-fcc-commissioner-claims-harris-on-snl-violates-equal-time-rule/

135 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
Give me an effing break -- FCC commissioner claims Harris on 'SNL' violates 'equal time' rule (Original Post) CatWoman Nov 3 OP
You have to be fawking kidding me..... a kennedy Nov 3 #1
NBC gave him free time during the Sunday NASCAR race. kelly1mm Nov 3 #94
so let trump be on next week'ss SNL. no mic either just stand before the camera nt msongs Nov 3 #2
Was it a violation when John McCain appeared on SNL during HIS candidacy? raging moderate Nov 3 #3
Obama and Clinton were both on SNL in 2008. former9thward Nov 3 #53
I could not find any report or video of obama on snl in 2008. wnylib Nov 3 #74
I googled and many stories came up. former9thward Nov 3 #75
Checked again and found one reference in an Entertainment Weekly article wnylib Nov 3 #87
I can't get your link to open, but from the pic wnylib Nov 3 #89
It was Obama. former9thward Nov 4 #131
I actually saw it at the time. DFW Nov 4 #120
He was on. IrishAfricanAmerican Nov 4 #122
Don't forget Sarah Palin's appearance when Amy Pohler did the rap song. wnylib Nov 3 #70
Carr a maga? Just a guess. Klarkashton Nov 3 #4
He is a full fledged MAGA who posts SharonClark Nov 3 #78
So what are the Fucking Whiners gonna Do about it? Cha Nov 3 #5
NBC gave him free time during the Sunday NASCAR race. kelly1mm Nov 3 #95
I'm sure he got an earful from Steven Cheung this morning newdeal2 Nov 3 #6
... Cha Nov 3 #12
LOL skylucy Nov 3 #23
Really.. Aloha, skylucy! Cha Nov 3 #31
Fux? MoseShrute Nov 3 #7
Fox is cable and not subject to the equal time rule. wnylib Nov 3 #76
tRump did sketch in 15 , no one bitched about that, also, given 6 minutes more time in the ABC debate yaesu Nov 3 #8
Trump guest hosted the show in the 2016 campaign. wnylib Nov 3 #90
What equal time rule? C_U_L8R Nov 3 #9
The equal time rule has never gone away. former9thward Nov 3 #51
Cable versus Network stations. The FCC only has regulation authority over network stations, not cable. wnylib Nov 3 #91
So the Pisswig asked dweller Nov 3 #10
Fox news is not regulated by the FCC. NBC gave him free time during the Sunday NASCAR race. kelly1mm Nov 3 #96
More predicting economic doom dweller Nov 3 #97
What the hell? Dave Bowman Nov 3 #11
NBC gave him free time during the Sunday NASCAR race. kelly1mm Nov 3 #98
FCC commissioner Brendan Carr wrote a chapter for Project 2025 greatauntoftriplets Nov 3 #13
+1 dalton99a Nov 3 #29
Oh shit they wanna bring back equal time?? ColinC Nov 3 #14
Equal time never went away. Are you thinking of the Fairness Doctrine? sir pball Nov 3 #42
I am :( ColinC Nov 3 #48
Well the way I see it... sheshe2 Nov 3 #60
That's RIGHT! Besides I read that they had to Cha Nov 3 #63
Geez Louise... sheshe2 Nov 3 #68
So how many times did tfg call into Faux news? duncang Nov 3 #15
Cable isn't licensed broadcast. Nt. Voltaire2 Nov 3 #49
Kamala has been on late night tv shows..had one with Colbert not long ago. Deuxcents Nov 3 #16
Talk shows are exempt. As is news programming. onenote Nov 3 #113
Thank you..appreciate the explanation Deuxcents Nov 4 #119
Jeez, this is disconcerting.... OAITW r.2.0 Nov 3 #17
Hmmm....I seem to remember ....... BBbats Nov 3 #18
That's some pretty sour grapes there al bupp Nov 3 #19
NBC gave him free time during the Sunday NASCAR race. kelly1mm Nov 3 #99
They showed trump clips, looking/acting like a buffoon. That should qualify. Silent Type Nov 3 #20
... skylucy Nov 3 #21
He posted on X? Jim__ Nov 3 #22
So, was Sarah Palin's NameAlreadyTaken Nov 3 #24
She was a Republican Retrograde Nov 3 #32
Clinton and Obama appeared on SNL in 2008. former9thward Nov 3 #55
He's a MAGAt appointee. lees1975 Nov 3 #25
tsf has done this _exact_ format before cadoman Nov 3 #26
This has come up with SNL before Sympthsical Nov 3 #36
TY cadoman! Since I read the media is giving this attention Cha Nov 3 #43
Holy crap, Fallon does a terrible Trump impersonation. LudwigPastorius Nov 3 #82
Trump appointee Carr also wrote the Project 2025 chapter on the FCC Tanuki Nov 3 #27
Reagan blew that up. Bo such thing anymore Clouds Passing Nov 3 #28
sock it to me TrunKated Nov 3 #30
Equal Time? Straw Man Nov 3 #33
Trump held "press conferences" and took no questions for free media time Freethinker65 Nov 3 #34
By all means give Trump equal time on the next SNL show. DJ Synikus Makisimus Nov 3 #35
NBC gave him free time during the Sunday NASCAR race. kelly1mm Nov 3 #100
The FCC is close to irrelevancy Mountainguy Nov 3 #37
the other ace the Harris campaign has up their sleeve: there is an equal time exception for "interviews" cadoman Nov 3 #38
NBC gave him free time during the Sunday NASCAR race. kelly1mm Nov 3 #101
Good. Issue resolved Raven123 Nov 4 #124
Would Trump Even Appear on SNL? Metaphorical Nov 3 #39
He's hosted it in 2004 and appeared in 2015. jimfields33 Nov 3 #54
The information you have at your fingertips!!! dpibel Nov 3 #62
Google is awesome. jimfields33 Nov 3 #65
Is there any evidence Trump wasn't offered equal time? RidinWithHarris Nov 3 #40
NBC gave him free time during the Sunday NASCAR race. kelly1mm Nov 3 #102
So what, it's done! grobertj Nov 3 #41
So Trump can show up to one of the many Tree Lady Nov 3 #44
Republican bullshit. Fuck his partisanship. live love laugh Nov 3 #45
Trump was on the show too. I saw him, and he even had lines. ananda Nov 3 #46
Fuck that guy. Seriously. Fuck him. Bristlecone Nov 3 #47
The rule applies to Dems only ailsagirl Nov 3 #50
How? former9thward Nov 3 #57
It's been pointed out to you. Repeatedly. W_HAMILTON Nov 3 #66
Since both Clinton and Obama appeared on SNL in 2008 how was any rule broken? former9thward Nov 3 #69
Perhaps you should look more into this rule before commenting on it. W_HAMILTON Nov 3 #72
Maybe you should read the full thread. former9thward Nov 3 #73
They have. As you have been told repeatedly. W_HAMILTON Nov 3 #77
"As you have been told repeatedly." former9thward Nov 3 #79
The other correct responses to you that I've read and your insistent "nuh-uh'ing" of them -- those comments. W_HAMILTON Nov 3 #81
Do a cut and paste if you can get past personal attacks. former9thward Nov 3 #83
Oh, we're at that point now. W_HAMILTON Nov 3 #85
Obama appeared on SNL on November 3, 2007 Wiz Imp Nov 4 #129
Yes, as a candidate for president. former9thward Nov 4 #130
Trump calls in to Hannity's show pretty often. DiamondShark Nov 4 #123
As I said the law exempts talk shows. former9thward Nov 4 #132
You should double check your info. AM/FM radio is still covered under the FCC. DiamondShark Nov 5 #133
The FCC exempts talk shows. former9thward Nov 5 #134
Good to know... DiamondShark Nov 5 #135
Blatant MAGAT partisanship. NoMoreRepugs Nov 3 #52
trmp is on 'fox entertainment' daily. This is total bullshit. spanone Nov 3 #56
Fox News is on cable, not broadcast so is not subject to FCC regulation, nt kelly1mm Nov 3 #104
Reagan did away with the Fairness Doctrine spanone Nov 3 #110
The Fairness Doctrine is different than the Equal Time rule. nt kelly1mm Nov 3 #111
👍🏼 spanone Nov 3 #112
There is a difference between "ask" and "offer." Raven123 Nov 3 #58
NBC gave him free time during the Sunday NASCAR race. kelly1mm Nov 3 #105
Do you ever feel like nobody's listening to you? Lulu KC Nov 3 #109
Oh this is a steaming pile of certified grade A bullshit. Initech Nov 3 #59
It is not the show, but the network. NBC gave him free time during the Sunday NASCAR race. kelly1mm Nov 3 #106
Can we file an FCC complaint re: this? vapor2 Nov 3 #61
What would the complaint be? onenote Nov 3 #115
WTF is this? Blue_Roses Nov 3 #64
If you use Google you can read all about the rule. NBC gave him free time during the Sunday NASCAR race. kelly1mm Nov 3 #107
Got it. Thank-you! Blue_Roses Nov 4 #121
Trump appeared over and over again on weekend update Johonny Nov 3 #67
Trump hosted an entire episode, what are THEY whining about? Montauk6 Nov 3 #71
For the love of Pete Lulu KC Nov 3 #80
Ahem. "A spokesperson for the FCC issued a statement: Emrys Nov 3 #84
Whines the party that ended The Unmitigated Gall Nov 3 #86
If would appear on SNL Mossfern Nov 3 #88
NBC is giving President Trump free airtime to comply with the equal time rule. nt kelly1mm Nov 3 #92
What "equal time" rule? Jit423 Nov 3 #93
This Equal Time rule: kelly1mm Nov 3 #114
This message was self-deleted by its author edisdead Nov 3 #103
I made that prediction on FB yesterday Orrex Nov 3 #108
Reagan got rid of the fairness doctrine back in the 80s oldmanlynn Nov 3 #116
The equal time rule is a separate rule and was not impacted by the repeal of the Fairness Doctrine. onenote Nov 3 #117
Talk shows and other regular news programming from syndicators, such as Entertainment Tonight, are also declared exempt JohnSJ Nov 3 #118
The FCC commissioner must think that putting Trump on TV... dchill Nov 4 #125
equal time pamdb Nov 4 #126
I'm all for k55f5r Nov 4 #127
So air a rerun. Marcuse Nov 4 #128

kelly1mm

(5,287 posts)
94. NBC gave him free time during the Sunday NASCAR race.
Sun Nov 3, 2024, 11:13 PM
Nov 3

NBC gave Donald Trump’s campaign commercial time free of charge during Sunday’s NASCAR playoff race, an exchange made to stay compliant with the Federal Communication Commission’s “equal time” rule, according to a new report in The Hollywood Reporter.

The former president took advantage of the situation by airing an ad immediately following the race, in which he spoke directly to the camera while intoning about an economic “depression” that he predicted would come if Vice President Kamala Harris wins the presidential election on Tuesday.

The network was forced to give up the airtime after it featured Harris for about 90 seconds during its “cold open” sketch on this weekend’s episode of Saturday Night Live—though it remains unclear whether the Trump campaign will request more time."

raging moderate

(4,508 posts)
3. Was it a violation when John McCain appeared on SNL during HIS candidacy?
Sun Nov 3, 2024, 08:04 PM
Nov 3

I don't remember any complaints from Republicans when John McCain made a similar appearance years ago.

wnylib

(24,530 posts)
74. I could not find any report or video of obama on snl in 2008.
Sun Nov 3, 2024, 10:22 PM
Nov 3

I did find a report about him cancelling an appearance due to a hurricane and his request that his supporters give aid to the victims.

wnylib

(24,530 posts)
87. Checked again and found one reference in an Entertainment Weekly article
Sun Nov 3, 2024, 10:51 PM
Nov 3

about Obama appearing on SNL in 2007 for the 2008 campaign, but could not find a video or other article on it. That would have been sitting the primary between Obama and Clinton. No mention of him appearing as the DEM candidate when he was running against McCain.

There are several references to imitation Obamas in snl skits, but not the real Obama.

wnylib

(24,530 posts)
89. I can't get your link to open, but from the pic
Sun Nov 3, 2024, 10:57 PM
Nov 3

that does appear with the link, "Obama" seems to be an actor wearing an Obama face mask, looking at an imitation Clinton. That would have been the primary season with Obama running against Clinton.

Once he was the chosen Dem candidate running against McCain, I can't find anything on him appearing on SNL.



DFW

(56,693 posts)
120. I actually saw it at the time.
Mon Nov 4, 2024, 12:13 AM
Nov 4

It was a Halloween party where someone came up to a tall skinny guy with an Obama mask, complimenting him on how good a mask it was. He took it off, and it was the real Obama.

IrishAfricanAmerican

(4,181 posts)
122. He was on.
Mon Nov 4, 2024, 02:31 AM
Nov 4

I've been watching all of the old SNLs the past year, working my way from the beginning to current. I'm currently on 2008 as luck would have it and, yes, he did appear in a cold open that year.

SharonClark

(10,333 posts)
78. He is a full fledged MAGA who posts
Sun Nov 3, 2024, 10:26 PM
Nov 3

crazy anti-Biden and anti Harris nonsense on his X account. Just ignore him.

Cha

(305,606 posts)
5. So what are the Fucking Whiners gonna Do about it?
Sun Nov 3, 2024, 08:08 PM
Nov 3

Equal Time.. Balderdash!

So SNL likes Kamala Harris and Hates TSF.. BFD. It's New York!

kelly1mm

(5,287 posts)
95. NBC gave him free time during the Sunday NASCAR race.
Sun Nov 3, 2024, 11:15 PM
Nov 3

NBC gave him free time during the Sunday NASCAR race.NBC gave Donald Trump’s campaign commercial time free of charge during Sunday’s NASCAR playoff race, an exchange made to stay compliant with the Federal Communication Commission’s “equal time” rule, according to a new report in The Hollywood Reporter.

The former president took advantage of the situation by airing an ad immediately following the race, in which he spoke directly to the camera while intoning about an economic “depression” that he predicted would come if Vice President Kamala Harris wins the presidential election on Tuesday.

The network was forced to give up the airtime after it featured Harris for about 90 seconds during its “cold open” sketch on this weekend’s episode of Saturday Night Live—though it remains unclear whether the Trump campaign will request more time.

wnylib

(24,530 posts)
76. Fox is cable and not subject to the equal time rule.
Sun Nov 3, 2024, 10:24 PM
Nov 3

It only applies to network stations like NBC, CBS, and ABC.

yaesu

(8,268 posts)
8. tRump did sketch in 15 , no one bitched about that, also, given 6 minutes more time in the ABC debate
Sun Nov 3, 2024, 08:10 PM
Nov 3

"Some viewers also noted that Harris’s “mirror image” comedy sketch was conceptually identical to a sketch Trump featured in with ex-SNL comedian Jimmy Fallon on Fallon’s the Tonight Show in 2015."

wnylib

(24,530 posts)
90. Trump guest hosted the show in the 2016 campaign.
Sun Nov 3, 2024, 11:01 PM
Nov 3

SNL took a lot of flak over that.

How much time did Clinton get on SNL in 2016?

C_U_L8R

(45,717 posts)
9. What equal time rule?
Sun Nov 3, 2024, 08:10 PM
Nov 3

The one Republicans did away with years ago? If there was an equal time rule, Fox News and rightwing hate radio would not exist.

former9thward

(33,424 posts)
51. The equal time rule has never gone away.
Sun Nov 3, 2024, 09:31 PM
Nov 3

You may be thinking of the fairness doctrine. The law containing the rule is 47 U.S. Code § 315 The law exempts talk shows and news programs.

wnylib

(24,530 posts)
91. Cable versus Network stations. The FCC only has regulation authority over network stations, not cable.
Sun Nov 3, 2024, 11:04 PM
Nov 3

dweller

(25,115 posts)
10. So the Pisswig asked
Sun Nov 3, 2024, 08:11 PM
Nov 3

for equal time ? Or is Carr asking for him ?
How about all the times the Pisswig has called into Fauxsnooze and was given airtime ? Not a problem ?
🤔



✌🏻



kelly1mm

(5,287 posts)
96. Fox news is not regulated by the FCC. NBC gave him free time during the Sunday NASCAR race.
Sun Nov 3, 2024, 11:17 PM
Nov 3

NBC gave him free time during the Sunday NASCAR race.NBC gave Donald Trump’s campaign commercial time free of charge during Sunday’s NASCAR playoff race, an exchange made to stay compliant with the Federal Communication Commission’s “equal time” rule, according to a new report in The Hollywood Reporter.

The former president took advantage of the situation by airing an ad immediately following the race, in which he spoke directly to the camera while intoning about an economic “depression” that he predicted would come if Vice President Kamala Harris wins the presidential election on Tuesday.

The network was forced to give up the airtime after it featured Harris for about 90 seconds during its “cold open” sketch on this weekend’s episode of Saturday Night Live—though it remains unclear whether the Trump campaign will request more time.

dweller

(25,115 posts)
97. More predicting economic doom
Sun Nov 3, 2024, 11:20 PM
Nov 3

Like he did for Biden
How’s that stock market these days ?

Idiot


✌🏻

kelly1mm

(5,287 posts)
98. NBC gave him free time during the Sunday NASCAR race.
Sun Nov 3, 2024, 11:22 PM
Nov 3

NBC gave him free time during the Sunday NASCAR race.NBC gave Donald Trump’s campaign commercial time free of charge during Sunday’s NASCAR playoff race, an exchange made to stay compliant with the Federal Communication Commission’s “equal time” rule, according to a new report in The Hollywood Reporter.

The former president took advantage of the situation by airing an ad immediately following the race, in which he spoke directly to the camera while intoning about an economic “depression” that he predicted would come if Vice President Kamala Harris wins the presidential election on Tuesday.

The network was forced to give up the airtime after it featured Harris for about 90 seconds during its “cold open” sketch on this weekend’s episode of Saturday Night Live—though it remains unclear whether the Trump campaign will request more time.

greatauntoftriplets

(176,917 posts)
13. FCC commissioner Brendan Carr wrote a chapter for Project 2025
Sun Nov 3, 2024, 08:13 PM
Nov 3
https://thehill.com/homenews/house/4777384-house-democrats-question-fcc-role-project-2025/

Democrats question FCC commissioner’s role in Project 2025
by Nick Robertson - 07/17/24 1:10 PM ET

Brendan Carr, Commissioner of the Federal Communications Commission, answers a question during a House Appropriations Subcommittee hearing to discuss the President’s F.Y. 2025 budget request for the commission on Thursday, May 16, 2024.
More than a dozen House Democrats sent a letter to the inspector general of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) on Wednesday, questioning Commissioner Brendan Carr’s role in helping craft Project 2025, a conservative policy document.

The letter, led by Rep. Jared Huffman (D-Calif.), claims Carr violated ethics rules and may have misused his office.


Project 2025 is a Heritage Foundation document outlining policy initiatives for a second Trump administration, and included multiple contributors and backers close to former President Trump. Trump has personally distanced himself from the project, though Democrats have consistently hit the former president for his ties to its authors.

sir pball

(4,943 posts)
42. Equal time never went away. Are you thinking of the Fairness Doctrine?
Sun Nov 3, 2024, 08:47 PM
Nov 3

Quoth 47 U.S. Code § 315:

If any licensee shall permit any person who is a legally qualified candidate for any public office to use a broadcasting station, he shall afford equal opportunities to all other such candidates for that office in the use of such broadcasting station


https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/47/315

sheshe2

(87,755 posts)
60. Well the way I see it...
Sun Nov 3, 2024, 09:42 PM
Nov 3

They gave him equal time by reenacting his rally performance where he was fellating his microphone.
Even Steven

Cha

(305,606 posts)
63. That's RIGHT! Besides I read that they had to
Sun Nov 3, 2024, 09:48 PM
Nov 3

ask to be on.. apparently according to that Veep Kamala Asked.

sheshe2

(87,755 posts)
68. Geez Louise...
Sun Nov 3, 2024, 10:03 PM
Nov 3

MAGgots are so childish with these tantrums. Time to put on their big boy pants and act like adults for a change.

Deuxcents

(19,895 posts)
16. Kamala has been on late night tv shows..had one with Colbert not long ago.
Sun Nov 3, 2024, 08:16 PM
Nov 3

They gonna complain about everything because that’s all they got.

onenote

(44,729 posts)
113. Talk shows are exempt. As is news programming.
Sun Nov 3, 2024, 11:48 PM
Nov 3

The rule is triggered by an "appearance" by a candidate in an advertisement or other non-news, non-talk programming.
It primarily serves t ensure that all candidates have an equal opportunity ...which is the correct name of the rule, not equal time...to purchase advertising during a campaign and that they are charged the "lowest unit rate" for such advertising. It also applies to "free" appearances, such as an appearance on Saturday Night Live.

Carr was full of shit when he suggested that NBC or SNL had violated the rule. The only obligations a station has when there is an appearance that triggers the rule are to put a notice about the appearance in the station's public file and to honor a request from a competing candidate for an equal amount of time at the same cost.

Also, the Daily Beast article is mistaken when it says NBC filed a notice with the Federal Election Commission. There is no requirement for the NBC to notifiy the FEC. What NBC was required to do ... and what they have done...is to instruct their affiliated stations to put a notice about the appearance in each station's public file.

BBbats

(110 posts)
18. Hmmm....I seem to remember .......
Sun Nov 3, 2024, 08:17 PM
Nov 3

I remember(I could be wrong) a tidbit of something I heard or read that stated that during the Reagan administration TV stations stopped showing Ronald Reagan's movies because they would have to allow the other side "equal time".
I do remember never seeing " King's Road" or "Bedtime For Bonzo" on during those eight years. They were staples on UHF TV in the 70's.
Could be a real ,although stupid ,FCC rule.

al bupp

(2,357 posts)
19. That's some pretty sour grapes there
Sun Nov 3, 2024, 08:18 PM
Nov 3

But maybe NBC could claim they for all they knew, if given the chance, TFG would just try to violate the sound equipment.

kelly1mm

(5,287 posts)
99. NBC gave him free time during the Sunday NASCAR race.
Sun Nov 3, 2024, 11:24 PM
Nov 3

NBC gave him free time during the Sunday NASCAR race .NBC gave Donald Trump’s campaign commercial time free of charge during Sunday’s NASCAR playoff race, an exchange made to stay compliant with the Federal Communication Commission’s “equal time” rule, according to a new report in The Hollywood Reporter.

The former president took advantage of the situation by airing an ad immediately following the race, in which he spoke directly to the camera while intoning about an economic “depression” that he predicted would come if Vice President Kamala Harris wins the presidential election on Tuesday.

The network was forced to give up the airtime after it featured Harris for about 90 seconds during its “cold open” sketch on this weekend’s episode of Saturday Night Live—though it remains unclear whether the Trump campaign will request more time.

lees1975

(6,017 posts)
25. He's a MAGAt appointee.
Sun Nov 3, 2024, 08:26 PM
Nov 3

The equal time rule is not the same thing as the fairness doctrine, which is no longer a rule. All NBC needs to do to make sure they comply is to find out how much time they've given to coverage of Trump's appearances, rallies, press conferences, and compare that to what they've given to Harris. It wouldn't even be close. They've violated equal time in his favor to the 100th power.

It's a nothing burger, and the fact that the media is giving it any attention at all is evidence of their bias.

cadoman

(915 posts)
26. tsf has done this _exact_ format before
Sun Nov 3, 2024, 08:30 PM
Nov 3


Looks like Fallon invented it and has used it with Romney and others?



Hollywood Reporter has the clarification:

https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/kamala-harris-snl-appearance-violate-equal-time-rule-1236052572/

However, the burden falls on the candidates to request those equal opportunities, and the agency’s policy on the rule states: “Equal opportunities generally means providing comparable time and placement to opposing candidates; it does not require a station to provide opposing candidates with programs identical to the initiating candidate.”


So if tsf didn't request it he wouldn't get it. I'm sure he knew his chemistry with the crew would be rotten.

Beware of MAGAT FEC commissioner Brendon Carr--he will likely need a lot of fact-checking in the coming hours:

https://x.com/BrendanCarrFCC

Sympthsical

(10,294 posts)
36. This has come up with SNL before
Sun Nov 3, 2024, 08:38 PM
Nov 3

I forget which election - maybe the 2016 primaries - and the solution is typically to offer free ad time to the other candidates.

SNL doesn't have to offer Trump a sketch. NBC just has to offer comparable value if requested. They could just toss him a free ad during a football game and call it a day.

Cha

(305,606 posts)
43. TY cadoman! Since I read the media is giving this attention
Sun Nov 3, 2024, 08:48 PM
Nov 3

and Not TSF's mic Sexual Attack.. Maybe it will get even more people to watch the SNL skit and see what a great job Kamala Did?!

LudwigPastorius

(10,914 posts)
82. Holy crap, Fallon does a terrible Trump impersonation.
Sun Nov 3, 2024, 10:33 PM
Nov 3

Then again, I'm not a fan of much else he does either.

Tanuki

(15,360 posts)
27. Trump appointee Carr also wrote the Project 2025 chapter on the FCC
Sun Nov 3, 2024, 08:30 PM
Nov 3
https://www.commondreams.org/opinion/project-2025-fcc

"Meet the Project 2025 Co-Author Who Wants to Run the FCC If Trump Wins
Brendan Carr knows who’s calling the shots in the modern GOP, so when he’s not fawning over Trump — a prerequisite for any potential appointee — he’s busy buttering up the world’s richest internet troll: Elon Musk.
....
What you might not know is that just one of Project 2025’s authors currently works for the federal government: Brendan Carr, the senior Republican on the Federal Communications Commission.

Carr has sided with big companies and against the public interest on nearly every important issue to come before the FCC. He’s also learned what it takes to get ahead in Trumpworld: telling lies, cozying up to the far right, insisting Trump can do no wrong, sucking up to billionaires and telling more lies.
.....
Commissioner Carr’s contribution to Project 2025’s “Mandate for Leadership” is wrongheaded if relatively milquetoast compared to other chapters. He rants TikTok (which is not under the FCC’s jurisdiction) and China, unwisely calls for the elimination of Section 230 of the Communications Act, and endorses ways to enrich Elon Musk’s Starlink and right-wing broadcasters like Sinclair.

He makes it clear that under a future Chairman Carr, the FCC would do the bidding of big business unencumbered by notions of serving the public interest, helping those experiencing poverty or addressing racial disparities."...(more)






Freethinker65

(11,150 posts)
34. Trump held "press conferences" and took no questions for free media time
Sun Nov 3, 2024, 08:35 PM
Nov 3

Harris's campaign didn't demand equal time even though it was obvious Trump called those fake "press conferences" to spew his stump speech material to a national TV audience and disparage Harris (and before her, Biden).

35. By all means give Trump equal time on the next SNL show.
Sun Nov 3, 2024, 08:36 PM
Nov 3

'Ya know, after the election. Hell, let him produce his own comedy show like the one in MSG and demonstrate once more how racist, misogist, classist, homophobic, transphobic and xenophobic Republicans are. Good fodder for commercials in case of runoff elections.

BTW, what is the penalty (if any) for broadcast networks who violate the fairness rules?

kelly1mm

(5,287 posts)
100. NBC gave him free time during the Sunday NASCAR race.
Sun Nov 3, 2024, 11:28 PM
Nov 3

NBC gave him free time during the Sunday NASCAR race.NBC gave Donald Trump’s campaign commercial time free of charge during Sunday’s NASCAR playoff race, an exchange made to stay compliant with the Federal Communication Commission’s “equal time” rule, according to a new report in The Hollywood Reporter.

The former president took advantage of the situation by airing an ad immediately following the race, in which he spoke directly to the camera while intoning about an economic “depression” that he predicted would come if Vice President Kamala Harris wins the presidential election on Tuesday.

The network was forced to give up the airtime after it featured Harris for about 90 seconds during its “cold open” sketch on this weekend’s episode of Saturday Night Live—though it remains unclear whether the Trump campaign will request more time.

cadoman

(915 posts)
38. the other ace the Harris campaign has up their sleeve: there is an equal time exception for "interviews"
Sun Nov 3, 2024, 08:40 PM
Nov 3

And the skit here is literally an interview format.

If the airing was within a documentary, bona fide news interview, scheduled newscast, or an on-the-spot news event, the equal-time rule does not apply.

kelly1mm

(5,287 posts)
101. NBC gave him free time during the Sunday NASCAR race.
Sun Nov 3, 2024, 11:29 PM
Nov 3

NBC gave him free time during the Sunday NASCAR race.NBC gave Donald Trump’s campaign commercial time free of charge during Sunday’s NASCAR playoff race, an exchange made to stay compliant with the Federal Communication Commission’s “equal time” rule, according to a new report in The Hollywood Reporter.

The former president took advantage of the situation by airing an ad immediately following the race, in which he spoke directly to the camera while intoning about an economic “depression” that he predicted would come if Vice President Kamala Harris wins the presidential election on Tuesday.

The network was forced to give up the airtime after it featured Harris for about 90 seconds during its “cold open” sketch on this weekend’s episode of Saturday Night Live—though it remains unclear whether the Trump campaign will request more time.

Metaphorical

(2,331 posts)
39. Would Trump Even Appear on SNL?
Sun Nov 3, 2024, 08:41 PM
Nov 3

Three points:
* Trump would no more appear on SNL than he would endorse Kamala Harris for President. This is a man who hates being the subject of ridicule, and they would ROAST him alive.
* The FCC would have to explain then how networks have given Trump IMMENSE amount of free air time, far in excess of Harris.
* A single commissioner can complain, but it takes a committee to make a formal complaint (and levy fines), with two Democrats and two Republicans on the current committee. So this is basically a personal opinion.

kelly1mm

(5,287 posts)
102. NBC gave him free time during the Sunday NASCAR race.
Sun Nov 3, 2024, 11:30 PM
Nov 3

NBC gave him free time during the Sunday NASCAR race. NBC gave Donald Trump’s campaign commercial time free of charge during Sunday’s NASCAR playoff race, an exchange made to stay compliant with the Federal Communication Commission’s “equal time” rule, according to a new report in The Hollywood Reporter.

The former president took advantage of the situation by airing an ad immediately following the race, in which he spoke directly to the camera while intoning about an economic “depression” that he predicted would come if Vice President Kamala Harris wins the presidential election on Tuesday.

The network was forced to give up the airtime after it featured Harris for about 90 seconds during its “cold open” sketch on this weekend’s episode of Saturday Night Live—though it remains unclear whether the Trump campaign will request more time.

W_HAMILTON

(8,515 posts)
66. It's been pointed out to you. Repeatedly.
Sun Nov 3, 2024, 10:01 PM
Nov 3

If you think this isn't just a Republican whining to appease his cult leader, please cite all the public comments made by sitting FCC commissioners about how McCain/Palin appearing on SNL broke the rule.

W_HAMILTON

(8,515 posts)
72. Perhaps you should look more into this rule before commenting on it.
Sun Nov 3, 2024, 10:17 PM
Nov 3

The rule is regarding COMPETING POLITICAL CANDIDATES and requires COMPARABLE TIME AND PLACEMENT.

Furthermore, the rule isn't simply enforced by the FCC -- it requires a complaint from an interested party to be investigated and potentially enforced. Jonathan S. Uriarte, an FCC director, said that no complaint had been received as of earlier today.

So, yes, I will repeat it for you one more time: this is just a Trump-appointed Republican hack doing what we expect Trump-appointed Republican hacks to do.

Can't wait for Kamala to get elected and start to ... drain the swamp!

former9thward

(33,424 posts)
73. Maybe you should read the full thread.
Sun Nov 3, 2024, 10:20 PM
Nov 3

And my posts. Please do a cut and paste where I complained a rule had been violated. My only comments were to people who said that Republicans had broken the rule in various years on SNL. No one has since they have had both Rs and Ds. Try again.

W_HAMILTON

(8,515 posts)
77. They have. As you have been told repeatedly.
Sun Nov 3, 2024, 10:26 PM
Nov 3

Obama appeared in 2007, when he was competing for the Democratic nomination.

McCain appeared in 2008, just days before the actual election.

Hence my COMPETING POLITICAL CANDIDATES and COMPARABLE TIME AND PLACEMENT comments.

Get it yet?

former9thward

(33,424 posts)
79. "As you have been told repeatedly."
Sun Nov 3, 2024, 10:29 PM
Nov 3

Told by who? You? A poster just told me Obama never appeared on SNL. I guess that makes you wrong since I have "been told repeatedly"

W_HAMILTON

(8,515 posts)
81. The other correct responses to you that I've read and your insistent "nuh-uh'ing" of them -- those comments.
Sun Nov 3, 2024, 10:32 PM
Nov 3

W_HAMILTON

(8,515 posts)
85. Oh, we're at that point now.
Sun Nov 3, 2024, 10:41 PM
Nov 3

No need -- everyone can read for themselves the responses to you that apparently you have not if you are making that request of me.

PS - My responses are sufficient. They exactly explained why you are in the wrong here, even if the others that told you this before me did not get through.

Wiz Imp

(2,059 posts)
129. Obama appeared on SNL on November 3, 2007
Mon Nov 4, 2024, 05:55 PM
Nov 4

Proof at this link.

https://snl.fandom.com/wiki/Barack_Obama

On Saturday Night Live, he has been impersonated by Fred Armisen for more than 30 times until May 12, 2012 and by Jay Pharoah from September 15, 2012 and Obama himself made a cameo during the "Halloween Party" cold opening sketch on the November 3, 2007 episode where he also started the show by uttering the famous line, "Live from New York, it's Saturday Night!".

former9thward

(33,424 posts)
134. The FCC exempts talk shows.
Tue Nov 5, 2024, 04:41 PM
Nov 5
Talk shows and other regular news programming from syndicators, such as Entertainment Tonight, are also declared exempt from the rule by the FCC on a case-by-case basis

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Equal-time_rule

Raven123

(6,095 posts)
58. There is a difference between "ask" and "offer."
Sun Nov 3, 2024, 09:41 PM
Nov 3

Would be interested in knowing if TFG was offered time and refused.

kelly1mm

(5,287 posts)
105. NBC gave him free time during the Sunday NASCAR race.
Sun Nov 3, 2024, 11:34 PM
Nov 3

NBC gave him free time during the Sunday NASCAR race. NBC gave Donald Trump’s campaign commercial time free of charge during Sunday’s NASCAR playoff race, an exchange made to stay compliant with the Federal Communication Commission’s “equal time” rule, according to a new report in The Hollywood Reporter.

The former president took advantage of the situation by airing an ad immediately following the race, in which he spoke directly to the camera while intoning about an economic “depression” that he predicted would come if Vice President Kamala Harris wins the presidential election on Tuesday.

The network was forced to give up the airtime after it featured Harris for about 90 seconds during its “cold open” sketch on this weekend’s episode of Saturday Night Live—though it remains unclear whether the Trump campaign will request more time.

Initech

(102,150 posts)
59. Oh this is a steaming pile of certified grade A bullshit.
Sun Nov 3, 2024, 09:41 PM
Nov 3

Trump trashed SNL for 8 years straight because they made fun of him. This wasn't a problem until he stole the presidency. The only thing SNL owes him is a straight up middle finger. 🖕

kelly1mm

(5,287 posts)
106. It is not the show, but the network. NBC gave him free time during the Sunday NASCAR race.
Sun Nov 3, 2024, 11:36 PM
Nov 3

NBC gave him free time during the Sunday NASCAR race. NBC gave Donald Trump’s campaign commercial time free of charge during Sunday’s NASCAR playoff race, an exchange made to stay compliant with the Federal Communication Commission’s “equal time” rule, according to a new report in The Hollywood Reporter.

The former president took advantage of the situation by airing an ad immediately following the race, in which he spoke directly to the camera while intoning about an economic “depression” that he predicted would come if Vice President Kamala Harris wins the presidential election on Tuesday.

The network was forced to give up the airtime after it featured Harris for about 90 seconds during its “cold open” sketch on this weekend’s episode of Saturday Night Live—though it remains unclear whether the Trump campaign will request more time.

kelly1mm

(5,287 posts)
107. If you use Google you can read all about the rule. NBC gave him free time during the Sunday NASCAR race.
Sun Nov 3, 2024, 11:38 PM
Nov 3

NBC gave him free time during the Sunday NASCAR race. NBC gave Donald Trump’s campaign commercial time free of charge during Sunday’s NASCAR playoff race, an exchange made to stay compliant with the Federal Communication Commission’s “equal time” rule, according to a new report in The Hollywood Reporter.

The former president took advantage of the situation by airing an ad immediately following the race, in which he spoke directly to the camera while intoning about an economic “depression” that he predicted would come if Vice President Kamala Harris wins the presidential election on Tuesday.

The network was forced to give up the airtime after it featured Harris for about 90 seconds during its “cold open” sketch on this weekend’s episode of Saturday Night Live—though it remains unclear whether the Trump campaign will request more time.

Johonny

(22,132 posts)
67. Trump appeared over and over again on weekend update
Sun Nov 3, 2024, 10:03 PM
Nov 3

As the butt of jokes.

And I bet SNL offered Trump a chance to appear.

Montauk6

(8,709 posts)
71. Trump hosted an entire episode, what are THEY whining about?
Sun Nov 3, 2024, 10:10 PM
Nov 3

And given his various appearances over the years, I'd say Mamala has a balance!

Emrys

(7,988 posts)
84. Ahem. "A spokesperson for the FCC issued a statement:
Sun Nov 3, 2024, 10:34 PM
Nov 3
“The FCC has not made any determination regarding political programming rules, nor have we received a complaint from any interested parties.”

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/nov/03/harris-appearance-snl-equal-time-rule

kelly1mm

(5,287 posts)
114. This Equal Time rule:
Sun Nov 3, 2024, 11:50 PM
Nov 3
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Equal-time_rule

"The equal-time rule (47 U.S. Code § 315 - Candidates for public office[1]) specifies that American radio and television broadcast stations must provide equivalent access to competing political candidates. This means, for example, that if a station broadcasts a message by a candidate, it must offer the same amount of time on the same terms to an opposing candidate.[2]

Details
This rule originated in §18 of the Radio Act of 1927 which established the Federal Radio Commission; it was later superseded by the Communications Act of 1934, with the FRC becoming the FCC, the Federal Communications Commission. A related provision, in §315(b), requires that broadcasters offer time to candidates at the same rate as their "most favored advertiser".

The equal-time rule was created due to concerns that broadcast stations could easily manipulate the outcome of elections by presenting just one point of view and excluding other candidates."

Response to CatWoman (Original post)

onenote

(44,729 posts)
117. The equal time rule is a separate rule and was not impacted by the repeal of the Fairness Doctrine.
Sun Nov 3, 2024, 11:53 PM
Nov 3

Google is your friend.

dchill

(40,594 posts)
125. The FCC commissioner must think that putting Trump on TV...
Mon Nov 4, 2024, 04:29 PM
Nov 4

... somehow helps him. That's pretty funny, actually. I think it helps Harris/Walz. YOMV.

pamdb

(1,373 posts)
126. equal time
Mon Nov 4, 2024, 04:39 PM
Nov 4

1. Hasn't the presidential candidate (democrat) been appearing on SNL for a few years?

2. They gave trump 2 two minute spots yesterday so he could lie all he wanted.

3. Cry me a river.

Latest Discussions»General Discussion»Give me an effing break -...