Stephen Colbert says CBS spiked interview with Democrat over FCC fears

Stephen Colbert claimed that CBS prevented him from airing an interview with Texas lawmaker James Talarico on "The Late Show" due to concerns about violating FCC's "equal time" rule. Colbert stated that CBS lawyers feared the interview could trigger the rule, requiring equal airtime for other political candidates. CBS denies prohibiting the interview, stating they only provided legal guidance about potential FCC implications and offered options to fulfill equal time requirements. The network said "The Late Show" chose to post the interview on YouTube, where FCC rules don't apply, while promoting it on the broadcast. The FCC's new guidance suggests the "equal time" rule may soon apply to late-night shows, potentially impacting political coverage.

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