CBS Cancels Senate Candidate Interview Amid FCC Scrutiny
CBS reportedly canceled an interview with Texas State Representative James Talarico, a Democratic U.S. Senate candidate, following legal concerns raised by the network’s lawyers. The decision, as disclosed by “Late Show” host Stephen Colbert on Monday evening, stems from new guidance issued by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regarding the “equal time” rule.
Colbert stated that he was directly informed by CBS legal counsel that Talarico could not appear on the broadcast. “We were told in no uncertain terms by our network’s lawyers, who called us directly, that we could not have him on the broadcast,” Colbert told viewers. He further noted he was instructed not to even mention the cancellation, highlighting the sensitivity surrounding the matter.
The controversy centers on the FCC’s reinterpretation of the “equal time” rule, which requires broadcasters to provide equal opportunity for all legally qualified candidates running for public office. While the rule doesn’t apply to cable or streaming platforms—leading CBS to post the interview on YouTube as an “online-only exclusive”—it remains applicable to local television and radio stations. The FCC, under Chairman Brendan Carr, is challenging the long-held understanding that the rule doesn’t extend to late-night and daytime talk shows.
CBS offered a different account of the situation, stating that “The Late Show” received “legal guidance” but was not “prohibited” from broadcasting the interview. According to a network statement, the show was presented with options to fulfill the equal-time requirements for other candidates, including Representative Jasmine Crockett, and ultimately chose to release the interview via its YouTube channel with on-air promotion.
This situation arises as the Trump administration increases pressure on broadcast TV networks. Paramount, CBS’s parent company, is currently pursuing an acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery, including CNN, potentially increasing its vulnerability to regulatory scrutiny. The decision highlights the growing tension between media companies and regulatory bodies regarding political coverage and fairness doctrines.
Talarico shared a clip of the interview on social media Tuesday, describing it as “This is the interview Donald Trump didn’t want you to see.”
