FCC Chairman Accuses Colbert and Talarico of Misinformation

Brendan Carr, the Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), has accused Stephen Colbert, host of “The Late Show,” and Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico of spreading misinformation regarding Interview Corner.

On Monday night, Colbert alleged that new FCC guidance on equal time rules mandated CBS to prevent Talarico from appearing on his program. He said, “Our network’s attorney called us directly and told us in no uncertain terms that we couldn’t have him on the air.”

Carr rebutted Colbert’s claims, suggesting that both Colbert and Talarico were deliberately misrepresenting the situation. He stated, “This was a decision by Colbert, a decision by Talarico to spread falsehoods to the public that he knew the media was working in Talarico’s cause, clearly to score political points against Jasmine Crockett.”

Furthermore, CBS issued a statement clarifying that legal guidance had been provided to Colbert’s team, cautioning that airing Talarico’s interview might trigger equal time rules against other candidates vying for the Texas Senate seat. The network added that they had offered alternatives to ensure compliance, but Colbert’s team opted to share the interview on YouTube instead.

On the Thursday episode of his show, Glenn Beck asked Carr whether the FCC had indeed advised CBS regarding the interview. Carr responded, “I woke up Tuesday morning and logged on to social media, and this is the first time I’ve heard about this.” He denied the notion that the FCC had blocked the airing.

“Not only was that untrue, but subsequent claims that CBS refused to air it also turned out to be a hoax,” Carr elaborated. He indicated that CBS had informed Colbert that he could conduct the interview but should consider potential equal time obligations for other candidates.

Carr further accused Colbert of fabricating the situation, suggesting that he aimed to manipulate the media into believing he was being censored. He speculated this ploy was intended to benefit Talarico over his Democratic competitor, Jasmine Crockett.

Separately, Beck questioned Carr about “The View,” which is reportedly under FCC investigation for potential equal time violations. Carr explained that while “The View” claims to be a bona fide news program, it has not demonstrated to the FCC that it qualifies for an exemption from equal time rules.

“As a result, we have launched an enforcement investigation,” he noted. “The FCC is actively considering the program’s claims.” CBS, ABC, Talarico’s representatives, and the teams behind “The Late Show” and “The View” did not respond to requests for comments.