FCC Chairman Critiques Media Over Talarico-Colbert Interview
Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Brendan Carr took aim at the media on Wednesday, pointing out what he called “misinformation” related to the interview conducted by Stephen Colbert with Texas Democrat James Talarico.
Colbert stirred up some headlines when he alleged that CBS was obstructing interviews with Senate candidates, amidst the FCC’s enforcement of long-standing equal time rules for candidates. However, CBS quickly responded, stating it had not issued any orders to prevent Colbert from airing his interview, claiming instead that the decision to share it on YouTube was made by the show.
During the FCC’s monthly press conference, Carr expressed his enjoyment of the unfolding story, even calling it “one of the most enjoyable days on the job.”
“Anyone not suffering from ‘Trump Derangement Syndrome’ could see how the narrative played out,” Carr remarked, noting that a Democratic candidate had seemingly manipulated media narratives to gain attention and funding. “Just look at how the media ran with it,” he added.
“The events from yesterday perfectly demonstrate why many people trust gas station sushi more than national news outlets… and yet, you all bought into it,” he continued. Carr criticized the media for not correcting inaccuracies when they emerged, simply shifting away from them instead.
He referenced comments made by Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-Texas), who acknowledged that no federal censorship had taken place in this situation. Carr added, “I think people should feel a bit ashamed for being misled and allowing it to continue. It’s really an embarrassing moment for the media.”
Carr also confirmed that the network had commenced an investigation into ABC’s “The View,” particularly concerning Talarico’s earlier appearance.
Colbert had claimed during his show that CBS lawyers had prohibited Talarico’s interview from airing, stating, “Our network’s attorney called and told us we couldn’t have him on the air.”
In response to Colbert’s accusations, a CBS spokesperson clarified, “THE LATE SHOW was not stopped by CBS from broadcasting an interview with Congressman Talarico. The show received legal guidance regarding the FCC’s equal time provisions and opted to release the interview via YouTube instead.”
Colbert rebuffed CBS’s statement, saying he hadn’t been approached by them before the announcement was made. He expressed surprise that such a large company wouldn’t stand up to what he termed “bullies.”
The FCC had recently indicated it would enforce its equal time rule, which ensures all eligible political candidates receive equal airtime across broadcast platforms. This could mean that Talarico’s competitors, including Crockett and Ahmad Hassan, would need comparable airtime as well.
Colbert attempted to justify his actions by referencing two earlier interviews he’d had with Crockett before her Senate campaign began in December.
By Wednesday afternoon, Talarico’s interview was nearing 6 million views on YouTube, and his campaign reported raising $2.5 million within just 24 hours of the controversy surfacing.
While liberal commentators have accused CBS of censorship attempts, conservative voices are suggesting Colbert is sidestepping FCC regulations to aid Talarico while diminishing Crockett’s visibility in the campaign’s closing stages. The primary election is set for March 3, drawing significant attention.
