Brendan Carr slams Colbert–Talarico controversy as ‘political hoax’
WASHINGTON, DC: FCC Chairman Brendan Carr on Wednesday labeled the uproar over Stephen Colbert’s unaired interview with Texas state Rep. James Talarico a “hoax,” pushing back against claims of government censorship.
The dispute emerged after Colbert said CBS had blocked the segment from airing on his late-night show. Carr countered that the situation had been misrepresented and noted that the FCC’s equal-time rules were properly applied.
FCC Chair Brendan Carr: “CBS was clear that Colbert could run the interview… equal time is about stopping legacy media from picking winners and losers… perhaps Colbert and other Democrats want to put their thumb on the scale… we’re gonna enforce the law and hold broadcasters… pic.twitter.com/bfsjPwKDOk
— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) February 19, 2026
Brendan Carr says controversy fueled by political strategy
Speaking at an open FCC meeting, Carr suggested the incident had been amplified for political purposes. He claimed Talarico, who is seeking a US Senate seat, leveraged the moment to increase attention and fundraising.
“You had a Democrat candidate who understood the way the news media works and took advantage of viewers’ perceptions to run a hoax, apparently to raise money and gain clicks,” Carr said.
The fallout reportedly benefited Talarico’s campaign, which raised $2.5 million in a single day after the clip circulated online—its largest one-day haul. The primary contest between Talarico and Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett remains closely watched.
CBS denies blocking the interview
The dispute began when Colbert told viewers CBS lawyers had advised against airing the segment or even mentioning Talarico. CBS, owned by Paramount Skydance Corp., disputed that characterization, stating the guidance concerned potential violations of FCC equal-time rules.
Despite this, Colbert addressed the issue on air and later released the interview on YouTube as an “online exclusive,” noting millions of viewers tuned in.
Equal-time rule at the center of dispute
The FCC requires that talk shows featuring political candidates provide equal time to opponents, though bona fide news programs are exempt. Carr said CBS had multiple options to legally air the segment, including broadcasting outside Texas or requesting an exemption.
“Congress passed the equal-time provision to prevent media elites from picking winners and losers in elections,” Carr added, defending the rule.
FCC emphasizes serious enforcement
Carr also referenced a separate equal-time inquiry involving Talarico on an ABC daytime talk show.
“It’s an enforcement matter we take seriously,” he said, noting that the goal is to ensure more speech, not limit it. The controversy comes as Colbert prepares to end 'The Late Show' in May.
