Republican mayoral hopeful Curtis Sliwa is demanding fair treatment from ABC following his Democratic opponent Zohran Mamdani's withdrawal from a scheduled WABC-TV town hall.
Mamdani's decision to back out was in protest of the suspension of "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" due to controversial remarks made by Kimmel.
In a letter addressed to Disney CEO Robert Iger and WABC President Marilu Galvez, Sliwa asserted that if Mamdani was granted a prominent televised platform, then federal "equal time" regulations necessitate that he receive the same opportunity. "Because that coverage is not exempt as bona fide news coverage or reporting, it triggers your obligation to provide me with equal time on the same terms," Sliwa stated, as reported by the New York Post.
He referenced the Communications Act of 1934 and FCC guidelines, emphasizing the need for an "equivalent opportunity to appear before a comparable audience, under similar conditions of format, duration."
According to The Post Millennial, Sliwa's campaign revealed that ABC's counteroffer was merely a sit-down interview with anchor Bill Ritter. "This is what they offered us. Nothing else. And in October [the final weeks before the election]," campaign representative Rob Cole informed reporters.
The controversy originated from Mamdani's choice to boycott his town hall appearance after ABC temporarily suspended "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" The suspension followed Kimmel's assertion that Charlie Kirk's assassination was linked to the "MAGA gang."
In response to ABC's decision to reinstate Kimmel, Mamdani remarked, "Whether you watch Jimmy Kimmel or not, todays decision is a victory for free speech. Weve reached out to WABC to reschedule the town hall."
Sliwa, who founded the Guardian Angels, contended that Mamdani's event was framed as a significant campaign opportunity, and denying him a similar chance breaches principles of fairness. "As a major party candidate, my qualification for equal time under FCC rules is beyond question," he wrote.
By Tuesday evening, WABC responded, informing the Post that no town halls are being organized for Mamdani or any candidate. Instead, the station is offering all campaigns appearances on "Up Close with Bill Ritter" to address voter inquiries. Presently, Mamdani's initial town hall date remains without a substitute.
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