Overview
- On Monday's show, Stephen Colbert said CBS lawyers barred his taped sit‑down with Democrat James Talarico from the network broadcast and told him not to mention it.
- CBS said it advised that airing the segment could trigger equal‑time for rivals, including Rep. Jasmine Crockett, and that the program chose an alternative to fulfill obligations.
- The Late Show posted the full conversation to YouTube, noting that FCC rules cover broadcast stations but not streaming, and Colbert said CBS limited on‑air links or images of Talarico.
- FCC Chair Brendan Carr’s Jan. 21 guidance questioned late‑night and daytime shows’ “bona fide news” exemption to the equal‑time rule, while Commissioner Anna Gomez said no policy change has been adopted.
- The FCC has been reported to be reviewing ABC’s The View after a Talarico appearance, with the scrutiny landing as early voting begins in Texas ahead of the March 3 primary.