Colbert Says CBS Refused To Air His Interview With Democrat Candidate Fearing FCC Blowback

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3. Stephen Colbert Goes Scorched-Earth On CBS, Reveals What He Was Told Not To Mention

The "Late Show" host on Monday night opened up about something the network "clearly doesn't want us to talk about."

Stephen Colbert Goes Scorched-Earth On CBS, Reveals What He Was Told Not To Mention

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We are actively being CENSORED.
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— (@aconcernedcitizen2.bsky.social) 2026-02-17T12:54:47.175Z

“Late Show” host Stephen Colbert tore into his future former employer on Monday night as he accused CBS of caving to Federal Communications Commission threats by spiking his interview with Texas state Rep. and U.S. Senate candidate James Talarico (D).

“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.

Colbert’s audience booed the news.

“Then I was told, in some uncertain terms, that not only could I not have him on, I could not mention me not having him on,” Colbert added. “And because my network clearly doesn’t want us to talk about this, let’s talk about this.”

Colbert recapped how FCC Chair Brendan Carr is threatening to enforce equal time regulations for TV talk shows, which have long been exempt.

“Well, sir, you’re chairman of the FCC,” Colbert said. “So, FCC you!”

If the FCC moves forward with the plan, TV talk shows would not be allowed to interview political candidates unless they offer equal time to every candidate in the same race.