Trump critic Colbert says CBS blocked interview with Democratic candidate
He says the network’s lawyers were afraid an appearance by Senate hopeful James Talarico would run afoul of FCC rules
CBS late-night host Stephen Colbert, a critic of the Trump administration, says he was barred from airing an interview with a Democrat seeking a US Senate seat in Texas by network lawyers concerned the appearance would violate federal fairness rules.
Speaking on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert on Monday night, Colbert said the lawyers informed his team that state congressman James Talarico could not appear on the broadcast and his name shouldn’t be mentioned.
“He was supposed to be here, but 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 said.
In a statement, CBS denied barring the candidate’s interview, saying the show was only told that Talarico’s appearance could set in motion a Federal Communications Commission requirement that his opponents also be allowed to appear.
“The show was provided legal guidance that the broadcast could trigger the FCC equal-time rule for two other candidates, including congresswoman Jasmine Crockett, and presented options for how the equal time for other candidates could be fulfilled,” CBS said.
CBS’s parent, Paramount Skydance Corp, has come under criticism from the media and free speech advocates since technology heir David Ellison took control of the company last year.