NBC found itself under the federal Equal Time rule after Vice President Kamala Harris appeared on “Saturday Night Live,” prompting the network to air an election ad for former President Donald Trump. The Trump ad aired during NBC’s broadcast of NASCAR’s Xfinity 500 at Martinsville Speedway and the NFL game between the Minnesota Vikings and Indianapolis Colts on Sunday night.
The ad began with the message, “A special message from Donald J. Trump,” showing Trump in a “Make America Great Again” hat, where he warned viewers about potential economic consequences if Vice President Harris is elected, stating it could lead to another “depression.” Trump encouraged viewers to head to the polls with only a few hours left before Election Day.
According to legal experts, the Equal Time rule obligates broadcasters to offer opposing political candidates similar exposure when they give airtime to one. Commissioner Brendan Carr explained that this rule, established in 1934, places a unique responsibility on broadcast networks, “broadcasters have a license from the federal government that obligates them to operate in the public interest.”
While Harris’ “SNL” cameo was brief, lasting about 1 minute and 30 seconds, the network’s Sunday statement confirmed it would honor the rule, providing Trump an opportunity to reach a similar audience across its broadcasts before Election Day.
Watch The Ad Below:
?BREAKING: NBC forced to allow Trump to air a free 90 second advertisement during Sunday Night Football and NASCAR per FCC regulations in order to provide equal time to Kamala Harris’ SNL appearance.
— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) November 4, 2024