CBS cites FCC 'equal-time' rules in dispute with Stephen Colbert over James Talarico interview

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: CBS pushed back on claims from Stephen Colbert, the host of 'The Late Show with Stephen Colbert', after he said an interview with Texas State Representative James Talarico could not be aired.

The network clarified that the program was not barred from broadcasting the segment. According to CBS, the show was given guidance designed to prevent any issues with Federal Communications Commission (FCC) equal-time rules. Those rules apply when multiple political candidates are involved; in this case, it is Representative Jasmine Crockett.

CBS added that the interview likely could have aired if Crockett had been offered a similar invitation for exposure. The network framed the issue as one of fairness and compliance rather than a refusal to run the interview.

FCC equal-time dispute over James Talarico interview

In a statement obtained by Mediaite, the network criticized Colbert’s statement. CBS said, "THE LATE SHOW was not prohibited by CBS from broadcasting the interview with Rep James Talarico. "

"The show was provided legal guidance that the broadcast could trigger the FCC equal-time rule for two other candidates, including Rep Jasmine Crockett, and presented options for how the equal time for other candidates could be fulfilled. "

"THE LATE SHOW decided to present the interview through its YouTube channel with on-air promotion on the broadcast rather than potentially providing the equal-time options."

The statement framed the decision as a strategic choice by the show rather than a direct ban by the network. Earlier, Colbert said CBS lawyers “directly” told him he could not air his interview with Talarico, who is running in Texas’s Senate Democratic primary against Crockett.

FCC equal-time controversy sparks Stephen Colbert rant

Stephen Colbert criticized CBS and lashed out at President Donald Trump while explaining why his interview with James Talarico did not air on 'The Late Show.' Instead of broadcasting it on network television, Colbert released the interview on the show’s YouTube channel.

That platform is not regulated by the FCC, which allowed the show to avoid equal-time issues tied to broadcast rules. Colbert turned the situation into an angry on-air rant that drew loud applause from the audience.

“Well, sir, you’re chairman of the FCC. So, FCC you, because I think you are motivated by partisan purposes yourself,” Colbert continued, to applause from the studio audience.

“Let’s just call this what it is. Donald Trump’s administration wants to silence anyone who says anything bad about Trump on TV because all Trump does is watch TV. Okay? He’s like a toddler with too much screen time. He gets cranky and then drops a load in his diapers,” Colbert fumed.

The comedian then joked about FCC Chairman Brendan Carr and the limits he said the rules created. He mocked the idea that even showing Talarico’s image could be a problem under equal-time rules.

“I can’t show any pictures of James Talarico. I’m not even sure I can say the words James Talarico. But what I can show you is what we always show when we have to pull material at the last minute,” he quipped.