FCC Chairman Responds to CBS Cancellation of Colbert’s Show
On Monday, Federal Communications Commission Chairman Brendan Carr made a statement regarding the cancellation of CBS’s “Late Show with Stephen Colbert.” Carr criticized the backlash from left-leaning celebrities and politicians, suggesting they were overreacting to what he called a loss of a “DNC spokesman” who, in their eyes, should be above economic laws.
CBS announced last Thursday that “Late Show with Stephen Colbert” would be ending, with its final episode set to air in May 2026. The decision has ignited significant criticism from various progressive figures in media and politics.
“They just cut off NPR, and they know public broadcasting. Yes, they’re trying to silence people, but that doesn’t work,” one commentator responded.
The cancellation has led to accusations that CBS acted with political motives. Recently, CBS reached a $16 million settlement with Donald Trump, which sparked claims of “election interventions.” This occurred alongside a merger involving CBS’s parent companies, requiring regulatory approval. Colbert addressed this in a monologue, referring to the settlement as a “nuisance lawsuit.”
Colbert joked, “I believe this complex financial settlement has what they call a ‘big fatty covenant’ in legal lingo.” Three days later, CBS canceled his show.
Senator Adam Schiff called for transparency in the matter, questioning whether Colbert’s cancellation was indeed politically driven. CBS, however, pointed to financial issues as the main reason for the cancellation. Despite being a leading show, it reportedly lost $40 million annually, reflecting broader declines in late-night viewership. John Stewart, Colbert’s former colleague, has expressed skepticism about CBS’s explanation.
Amid the turmoil, Colbert was recognized for his critical stance against Trump. The former president had his own thoughts on the dismissal, suggesting that Colbert’s talent was undervalued. “I absolutely love Colbert’s fired,” Trump remarked, adding that other late-night hosts didn’t measure up to Colbert’s abilities.
As the situation develops, questions linger about the true motivations behind CBS’s decision and what it means for late-night television moving forward.
