Stephen Colbert Says CBS Blocked James Talarico Interview
Variety • • entertainment
Key Points:
- Stephen Colbert accused CBS lawyers of blocking an interview with Texas state Rep. James Talarico on "The Late Show," citing preemptive compliance with the FCC’s "equal time" rule amid pressure to apply it to late-night talk shows.
- Colbert criticized FCC chair Brendan Carr for targeting late-night shows while exempting right-wing talk radio, calling Carr's actions partisan and inconsistent.
- Although the FCC has not formally removed the exemption for talk shows, CBS enforced the restriction unilaterally, which Colbert suggested was motivated by financial concerns.
- Colbert announced he would air the Talarico interview on "The Late Show" YouTube channel instead, despite network prohibitions on promoting the link or showing any