Texas Senate Candidate Accuses FCC and CBS of Colluding to Censor Colbert Interview

James Talarico claims the network caved to pressure from the Trump administration to keep his interview off the air.

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Texas State Rep. James Talarico, a Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate, accused the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and CBS of colluding to censor his interview with "The Late Show" host Stephen Colbert. Talarico claimed the network was pressured by the Trump administration to keep the interview off the air, though CBS denied the accusation, stating the broadcast could have triggered the FCC's equal-time rule for other candidates.

Why it matters

This case highlights ongoing tensions between the media, the government, and political figures, with accusations of censorship and attempts to control the narrative. It raises questions about the independence of the media and the role of regulatory bodies like the FCC in shaping political discourse.

The details

Talarico told supporters in Austin that CBS executives "colluded" with the FCC, which he said was trying to silence anyone critical of former President Trump. Colbert had accused CBS of caving to threats from the FCC by spiking the interview, but the network denied this, saying the broadcast could have triggered the equal-time rule. The FCC chairman had previously suggested talk shows may need to provide equal time to opposing sides, though Colbert said CBS was enforcing a change in the rule that hadn't been implemented yet.

  • On February 18, 2026, Talarico made the accusation at a rally in Austin.
  • On February 17, 2026, Colbert said on his show that CBS lawyers prohibited him from airing the interview with Talarico.

The players

James Talarico

A Texas State Representative and Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate, who accused the FCC and CBS of colluding to censor his interview with Stephen Colbert.

Stephen Colbert

The host of "The Late Show," who accused CBS of caving to threats from the FCC and spiking his interview with Talarico.

Federal Communications Commission (FCC)

The U.S. government agency that regulates communications, which Talarico accused of colluding with CBS to censor the Colbert interview.

CBS

The television network that denied Colbert's accusation, stating the broadcast could have triggered the FCC's equal-time rule for other candidates.

Donald Trump

The former U.S. president, whom Talarico and Colbert accused of trying to silence media criticism through the FCC and CBS.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I think it's safe to say that their plan backfired. These are the same people who ran against cancel culture, and now they're trying to control what we watch, what we say, what we read. And this is the most dangerous kind of cancel culture, the kind that comes from the top.”

— James Talarico, Texas State Representative and U.S. Senate Candidate

“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.”

— Stephen Colbert, Host of "The Late Show"

“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.”

— CBS Spokesperson

What’s next

The FCC and CBS have not yet commented further on the accusations, and it remains to be seen if any formal investigations or actions will be taken.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing tensions between the media, government, and political figures, and the delicate balance between free speech, equal access, and attempts to control the narrative. It underscores the importance of maintaining the independence and integrity of the press, even in the face of pressure from those in power.