Colbert and Talarico Clash Over CBS Interview Denial

Texas Democrat James Talarico criticized CBS for allegedly “selling out” to the Trump administration after the network denied claims made by Stephen Colbert, the outgoing host of “The Late Show.” Colbert stated on Monday that he had prevented CBS from airing an interview with Talarico, amidst a crackdown by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) on its equal time policy, which CBS disputes.

Fox News Digital previously reported that Talarico’s recent appearance on ABC’s “The View” initiated an investigation into that show. In an interview snippet shared on YouTube, Colbert jokingly asked Talarico, “Are you trying to cause trouble?” Talarico responded, suggesting that Trump is concerned about flipping Texas, which garnered enthusiastic applause from the audience.

Talarico further commented, “This is a party that claims to be against cancel culture, yet they’re trying to control what we watch, say, and read. This kind of censorship from the top is particularly dangerous,” he continued. He also pointed out that CBS went after “The View” following his appearance and mentioned similar retaliations against Jimmy Kimmel and others for criticizing Trump.

“Corporate media executives are compromising the First Amendment to win favor with corrupt politicians. Any attack on free speech affects all of our rights,” Talarico added.

Colbert rebutted by saying CBS’s decision was financially motivated and expressed gratitude for the show’s 11-year run. A CBS spokesperson stated that “The Late Show” was not prohibited from airing Talarico’s interview. Instead, it was guided that air time must comply with the FCC’s rules concerning equal opportunities for other candidates, like Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett. The network opted to promote the interview through its YouTube channel as a workaround.

Responses from the FCC and Talarico’s team were not immediately available.

Last month, the FCC reiterated that broadcast networks must adhere to “statutory equal opportunity requirements,” invoking the 1934 Communications Act, which now includes talk shows. This policy ensures that all eligible candidates share air time, requiring Talarico’s Democratic rivals to receive equal coverage before the upcoming March primary.

In a previous interview, FCC Chairman Brendan Carr declared, “On my watch, we are going to enforce this regulation.” He suggested that while there are multiple platforms for distribution, talk shows must comply with these rules.

Colbert argued that Carr’s policies were effectively silencing him and fellow late-night hosts. “The Trump administration seems intent on muffling anyone who speaks poorly of him on TV,” he remarked, likening Trump to a child overly absorbed in television. Colbert concluded that CBS’s decision was purely economic, despite the political implications involved.