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NBC files “contemporaneous” notice with FCC after Harris appears on “SNL.”

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NBC has filed a notice with the Federal Communications Commission and will grant “equal time” to former President Donald Trump following a brief appearance by Vice President Kamala Harris on “Saturday Night Live.”

Harris appeared on the sketch comedy show hosted by John Mulaney on Saturday in a skit in which he gave advice in the mirror to comedian Maya Rudolph, who played Harris in the run-up to the election.

After her brief appearance on the show, FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr posted on Carr, a senior Republican on the commission who was appointed by Trump, further suggested in the post that NBC should offer the same time to “other qualifying campaigns.”

In the statement filed Sunday, NBC said Harris appeared on “SNL” for 1 minute, 30 seconds “without charge.” The network gave Trump airtime on Sunday, CNN's Brian Stelter reported, giving the former president the opportunity to directly engage with viewers during the NASCAR 2024 Cup playoff race.

Carr appeared on the Fox News show “The Ingraham Angle” with host Laura Ingraham on Sunday to discuss Harris' cameo.

“I think every single option needs to be on the table for the FCC because not only do we have to respond if this turns out to be as clear a violation as it looks, but it also sends a message to stop anyone from doing this. “Again, whether it benefits a Republican or a Democrat,” Carr told Ingraham.

What is the FCC's equal time rule?

The FCC's equal time rule requires American radio and television broadcasters to provide equal access to competing political candidates. The rules do not apply to cable channels or other video content, including podcasts or social media.

If Donald Trump were to demand the same time from NBC after Harris' appearance on “SNL,” the network would have to provide it before Election Day on Tuesday.

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(This story has been updated with new information.)

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