CBS Pulled Colbert's Talarico Interview Over 'Equal Time Rule' Concerns

The late-night host claims network lawyers cited FCC regulations in barring the Democratic Senate candidate from appearing on his show.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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Stephen Colbert revealed on his show that CBS network lawyers prevented him from interviewing Democratic Texas Senate candidate James Talarico, citing concerns over the FCC's 'equal time rule' for political candidates. Talarico, a critic of former President Donald Trump, had posted a clip of the interview online, calling it 'the interview Donald Trump didn't want you to see.' The equal time rule requires broadcast stations to provide comparable airtime to all political candidates if they feature one candidate, with limited exceptions.

Why it matters

The Trump administration has taken steps to more strictly enforce the equal time rule, warning late-night and daytime talk shows that they may need to provide equal time to political candidates who appear on their programs. This has raised concerns about potential censorship of political speech and the ability of media outlets to freely cover campaigns and elections.

The details

According to Colbert, CBS network lawyers directly contacted the show and said they could not have Talarico on the broadcast due to concerns over triggering the FCC's equal time rule. The network later said it provided 'legal guidance' that the interview could require offering equal time to two other Democratic primary candidates, and the decision was made to post the full interview online instead of airing it.

  • Colbert referenced the issue during his show on Monday, February 19, 2026.
  • The FCC issued new guidance in January 2026 warning late-night and daytime talk shows that they may need to provide equal time to political candidates.

The players

Stephen Colbert

The host of 'The Late Show with Stephen Colbert' on CBS.

James Talarico

A Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate in Texas, who is a critic of former President Donald Trump.

Brendan Carr

The chairman of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), appointed by former President Trump in 2025.

CBS

The television network that airs 'The Late Show with Stephen Colbert'.

Federal Communications Commission (FCC)

The U.S. government agency that regulates the nation's airwaves, including broadcast television and radio.

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What they’re saying

“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, 'The Late Show with Stephen Colbert' (The Late Show with Stephen Colbert)

“The FCC has not been presented with any evidence that the interview portion of any late night or daytime television talk show program on air presently would qualify for the bona fide news exemption.”

— Brendan Carr, Chairman, Federal Communications Commission (FCC Public Notice)

What’s next

The FCC has not indicated whether it plans to take further action against late-night or daytime talk shows over the equal time rule. The agency did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the Colbert-Talarico incident.

The takeaway

The Trump administration's efforts to more strictly enforce the FCC's equal time rule for political candidates has raised concerns about potential censorship of political speech and the ability of media outlets to freely cover campaigns and elections. This case highlights the ongoing tensions between free press protections and regulations governing political coverage on broadcast television.