politics
Trump FCC threatens to enforce equal-time rule on late-night talk shows
FCC disputes long-standing view that the shows are exempt from equal-time rule.
TL;DR
- The FCC issued a warning to talk shows about the equal-time rule, potentially ending an exemption.
- This action could pressure shows to interview more Republican candidates, amid allegations of liberal bias in media.
- The FCC's notice clarifies that entertainment talk shows may not automatically qualify for the 'bona fide news interview' exemption.
- A Democratic FCC commissioner stated that the rules have not changed and this is an attempt to censor speech.
- The FCC referenced a 2006 ruling that allowed an interview portion of 'The Tonight Show with Jay Leno' to qualify for the exemption, but stated this was fact-specific.
- The FCC has not seen evidence that current talk show interviews would qualify for the exemption and encourages petitions for formal assurance.