Outgoing The Late Show with Stephen Colbert host Stephen Colbert recently addressed a dispute involving a planned interview with Texas State Rep. James Talarico, a candidate in Texas’ closely watched U.S. Senate primary. Colbert suggested during a monologue that federal regulators were effectively preventing the segment from airing. However, the situation centered on legal guidance related to broadcast regulations rather than a formal censorship action.
According to statements from CBS, network attorneys advised that airing the interview on broadcast television could raise concerns under the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) equal-time rule. That rule, established under the Communications Act of 1934, generally requires broadcasters to provide comparable airtime to competing political candidates if one is given access, unless the appearance qualifies as a bona fide news interview. The interview was ultimately released through other platforms.
Earlier this year, FCC Chair Brendan Carr issued public guidance noting that certain entertainment talk shows may not automatically qualify for the news interview exemption if their content is deemed partisan in nature. The clarification followed regulatory scrutiny involving The View after it hosted Talarico without offering equal time to other candidates. CBS stated that its decision was based on legal review and the potential obligation to provide airtime to additional candidates, including Rep. Jasmine Crockett.
During a February episode, Colbert told viewers he had been advised not to air the segment on broadcast television. CBS later said the show received legal guidance about the equal-time rule but denied instructing him not to discuss the matter. The exchange comes as Colbert prepares to conclude his tenure on “The Late Show” in May, marking the end of the current run of the program.