Stephen Colbert sharply criticized CBS executives for refusing to air his interview with Texas State Rep. James Talarico, a Democratic candidate in the upcoming Texas Senate primary. The late-night host revealed the decision stemmed from concerns over the FCC’s equal time rule during Monday’s episode of The Late Show.3435
Background on the Interview Block
Colbert explained that network lawyers directly instructed the show not to broadcast the segment, warning it could violate federal regulations requiring equal airtime for competing candidates. “We were told in no uncertain terms by our network’s lawyers… that we could not have him on the broadcast,” Colbert stated. To circumvent the issue, the full 15-minute interview appeared exclusively on the show’s YouTube channel, where it quickly amassed over five million views.3435
Talarico, running in the March 3 Democratic primary against opponents including Rep. Jasmine Crockett, discussed Christian nationalism, Texas politics, and efforts to counter extremism. He emphasized separating church and state, criticizing the movement for prioritizing issues like abortion over biblical teachings on compassion.33
CBS Responds and Colbert Fires Back
CBS issued a statement clarifying that lawyers provided guidance on potential equal time obligations for other candidates but did not prohibit the interview. The network noted options were offered to comply, yet the show opted for the online release with on-air promotion. Colbert dismissed the response during Tuesday’s monologue, mockingly disposing of a printed copy as if it were waste. “For the lawyers to release this statement without even talking to me is really surprising,” he said, insisting he had never faced such restrictions in 21 years hosting.35
The FCC Equal Time Rule Explained
The controversy highlights the FCC’s equal time provision, which mandates broadcasters offer comparable airtime to political rivals if one appears on non-news programming. Recent guidance from FCC Chair Brendan Carr narrowed exemptions for late-night talk shows, questioning their status as “bona fide news interviews.” Carr has suggested stricter enforcement, prompting networks to err on caution amid the Texas primary’s early voting phase.34
Fundraising Boost and Broader Impact
The online-exclusive interview sparked a fundraising surge for Talarico’s campaign, raising $2.5 million in 24 hours. Rep. Crockett acknowledged appearing on Colbert’s show twice previously but noted the decision rested with CBS amid FCC pressures. The episode underscores tensions between broadcasters and regulators as elections approach.32
