Overview
- Colbert said CBS barred the booking of Texas Rep. James Talarico, a Senate candidate, pointing to equal‑time obligations for political contenders.
- He argued the FCC’s equal‑time provision has historically exempted news and interview programs, noting FCC Chair Brendan Carr has pushed a broader reading that is not uniformly enforced.
- The interview with Talarico was conducted off‑air and published on The Late Show’s YouTube channel, sidestepping broadcast regulations.
- Colbert also accused the network of trying to conceal that the interview had been scheduled, and he challenged that on air.
- The Late Show remains slated to end in May 2026 for stated financial reasons, as coverage scrutinizes CBS parent Paramount’s new ownership under David Ellison.