Story perspectives

FCC's Equal Time Rule: A Double-Edged Sword for Trump?

2/19/2026

Summary

Story summary

A media expert warned that FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr's enforcement of the equal time rule could backfire on U.S. President Donald Trump and his allies.
Carr's actions have drawn scrutiny of left-leaning shows, including CBS News advising Stephen Colbert against interviewing a Democratic lawmaker.
CNN's Brian Stelter noted that while the rule aims to balance representation, it risks government overreach and could be used against conservative media.

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Story summary

A media expert warned that FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr's enforcement of the equal time rule could backfire on U.S. President Donald Trump and his allies.
Carr's actions have drawn scrutiny of left-leaning shows, including CBS News advising Stephen Colbert against interviewing a Democratic lawmaker.
CNN's Brian Stelter noted that while the rule aims to balance representation, it risks government overreach and could be used against conservative media.