Washington, D.C., February 18, 2026 — Appearing on The Todd Starnes Show on Newsmax, Nestpoint Director of Government Affairs and Global Strategist Tim Phillips weighed in on renewed scrutiny surrounding federal equal-time broadcasting rules and the role of national media platforms in shaping primary election outcomes.
The discussion followed controversy over a late-stage television appearance by Texas congressional candidate James Tallarico, after fellow candidate Jasmine Crockett was not offered comparable airtime ahead of early voting. The episode raised questions about whether long-standing Federal Communications Commission requirements are being applied consistently by national broadcasters.
Phillips emphasized that the equal-time statute — which requires broadcasters to provide comparable opportunities to candidates in the same race — is neither obscure nor newly enacted.
“This isn’t about Donald Trump,” Phillips said. “It’s about whether a broadcaster is trying to put their thumb on the scale and pick winners and losers in a primary election.”
Phillips noted that selective media exposure can materially affect fundraising and voter awareness, particularly when ballots are already being cast. He pointed to reporting showing a surge in campaign contributions following the appearance, arguing that timing and access can influence electoral momentum in decisive ways.
He also criticized what he described as inconsistent standards in how claims of bias are raised, suggesting similar conduct is often framed differently depending on the political alignment of the outlet involved.
“It does look like an attempt to favor one candidate over another,” Phillips said, adding that such decisions should be examined through a regulatory lens rather than dismissed as partisan disagreement.
Beyond the media controversy, Phillips briefly addressed the broader political environment in Texas, where competitive primaries and fragmented fields are increasingly shaped by turnout mechanics and late-cycle voter engagement. With multiple high-profile contests expected to head to runoffs, he noted that early exposure and narrative framing can carry outsized importance.
Phillips’ remarks reflect the broader questions facing political media and regulators alike, as traditional broadcast rules collide with modern campaign realities.
The segment aired on The Todd Starnes Show on Newsmax on February 18, 202c. Watch it here.
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