FCC Scrutinizes Kamala Harris’s “Saturday Night Live” Appearance

FCC Scrutinizes Kamala Harris’s “Saturday Night Live” Appearance

Vice President Kamala Harris’s appearance on “Saturday Night Live” (“SNL”) just days before the presidential election prompted a deluge of complaints to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Records obtained by The Hill through a Freedom of Information Act request reveal that 70 complaints were lodged, primarily alleging a violation of the FCC’s “equal time” rule.

Complaints Allege Violation of “Equal Time” Rule

The majority of complaints argue that Harris’s “SNL” cameo contravened the FCC’s “equal time” rule, which allows rival candidates to request equal airtime. Viewers cited the presence of Maya Rudolph, a long-time Harris impersonator on the show, as indicative of undue political bias.

Criticism of NBC and Demands for Consequences

Many complaints condemned NBC for their handling of the situation. Viewers decried the move as “unconscionable,” “a cheap shot,” and “a propaganda stunt.” Some demanded that the network’s broadcast license be revoked as a consequence of alleged impropriety.

Call for Impartiality and Accountability

Complaints also emphasized the importance of impartiality in election coverage. Viewers expressed concern that NBC’s actions had undermined the principles of fairness and impartiality, which they maintained were vital to the integrity of elections. They argued that the public airwaves should not be manipulated in favor of any particular candidate.

NBC’s Response and Trump’s Equal Airtime

NBCUniversal News Group did not respond to requests for comment on the complaints. In an apparent effort to provide equal airtime, NBC aired a short video message from former President Donald Trump the following day. However, none of the complaints to the FCC referenced Trump’s video message.

Calls to Disqualify Harris from Presidential Race

One particularly vocal complainant went beyond criticizing NBC and the FCC, alleging that Harris’s “SNL” appearance should have disqualified her from the presidential election. They argued that she should be held accountable for the perceived violation of election rules.

FCC Commissioner’s Involvement

Brendan Carr, a senior Republican FCC commissioner appointed by Trump, had earlier claimed that Harris’s appearance was a “blatant effort” to evade the “Equal Time” rule. Following Trump’s election victory, Carr was tapped to chair the FCC.

Broader Implications for Media Coverage

The complaints underscore growing concerns about the role of media in political campaigns. The controversy over Harris’s “SNL” appearance highlights the challenges of balancing freedom of speech with the need for impartiality in election coverage.