Skip to main content
See every side of every news story
Published loading...Updated

CBS Blocks Colbert From Airing Talarico Interview

CBS cited new Federal Communications Commission guidance on equal airtime rules to block Stephen Colbert's interview with Texas Senate candidate James Talarico, who posted it on YouTube.

  • On Monday, CBS lawyers blocked Stephen Colbert, host of The Late Show, from airing a scheduled interview with James Talarico, Texas State Representative and Democratic U.S. Senate candidate.
  • In guidelines released Jan. 21, the FCC signaled it may enforce the equal-time rule on talk shows, with Carr suggesting the exemption could be challenged based on partisan motivation.
  • Colbert said, `We were told in no uncertain terms by our network's lawyers, who called us directly, that we could not have him on the broadcast`, and he posted the 15-minute interview on YouTube, which had over 2.7 million views as of Tuesday evening.
  • In its response, CBS said the network's legal guidance provided options for equal time, denying it told the show to withhold the interview.
  • Observers note last month the Trump administration announced enforcement of the equal-time rule, with critics warning of partisan FCC actions and Jimmy Kimmel's suspension as risks for talk-show hosts.
Insights by Ground AI
Podcasts & Opinions

429 Articles

Lean Left

Stephen Colbert points to legal and political pressure after veto to interview with Democratic Senate candidate

Read Full Article
Think freely.Subscribe and get full access to Ground NewsSubscriptions start at $9.99/yearSubscribe

Bias Distribution

  • 46% of the sources are Center
46% Center

Factuality Info Icon

To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium

Ownership

Info Icon

To view ownership data please Upgrade to Vantage

The Federalist broke the news in Washington, United States on Tuesday, January 27, 2026.
Too Big Arrow Icon
Sources are mostly out of (0)

Similar News Topics

News
Feed Dots Icon
For You
Search Icon
Search
Blindspot LogoBlindspotLocal