Stephen Colbert says CBS barred interview with Texas Democratic candidate

Al JazeeraCenterEN 4 min read 100% complete by Al Jazeera StaffFebruary 18, 2026 at 02:51 AM

AI Summary

long article 4 min

Stephen Colbert claimed that CBS barred him from airing an interview with Texas Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico on "The Late Show" on Monday. Colbert stated that CBS lawyers cited potential violations of new regulatory guidance from the FCC. The FCC, under Republican leadership, recently stated that talk shows are no longer exempt from equal-time rules, which require broadcast networks to offer equal airtime to political candidates. CBS disputed Colbert's account, saying its lawyers only provided legal guidance. The controversy arose amidst early voting for the Texas primaries, where Talarico is competing against US Representative Jasmine Crockett. The FCC is also investigating whether ABC's "The View" violated equal time rules after Talarico's appearance.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

ABC 30% The View 30% Jasmine Crockett 40% The Late Show with Stephen Colbert ×250% Donald Trump ×260% Texas ×260% Federal Communications Commission (FCC) ×370% United States ×270% James Talarico ×570% CBS ×480% Stephen Colbert ×690%

Keywords

stephen colbert 100% cbs 90% interview blocked 80% equal-time rule 80% federal communications commission (fcc) 70% james talarico 70% regulatory guidance 70% late-night show 60% texas democratic candidate 60% political candidates 50%