This CNN article gives details about the Equal Time rule, as applied to Saturday Night Live and the recent appearance by Hillary Clinton, and tue upcoming appearance by Donald Trump. Thanks to Rick Hasen for the link.
Ballot Access News
Edited By Richard Winger
How come the equal time rule doesn’t apply in the debates on the major networks and cable stations?
Because a debate is considered a bona fide new event, as long as it has at least two candidates participating.