The equal-time rule hasn’t been vigorously enforced in recent years, reflecting its obsolescence. But as with many outdated business regulations,
Congress hasn’t bothered to revoke it. The Trump FCC, headed by Chairman Brendan Carr, has eagerly taken the opportunity to tweak liberal media companies. Last month, it released
a notice declaring that “a program that is motivated by partisan purposes, for example, would not be entitled to an exemption” from the equal-time rule. On Wednesday,
Carr doubled down on his authority to enforce it. This flap was made possible by overzealous regulation, which Congress could set aside at any time. The American people don’t need bureaucrats to vet their news or entertainment, but that’s exactly what the equal-time rule encourages. Keeping it in place is a political choice.