Colbert Says CBS Pulled Senate Candidate Interview

The late-night host said the network barred him from airing an interview with a Democratic Senate candidate due to new FCC guidance on equal airtime.

Published on Feb. 19, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Stephen Colbert said on his late-night show that CBS barred him from airing an interview with a Democratic candidate for a U.S. Senate race because of new guidance from the Trump administration about equal airtime for political candidates. Colbert blasted the FCC chairman and criticized CBS for the decision, saying the network "clearly doesn't want us to talk about this." CBS pushed back, saying it had not prohibited the interview from airing but had provided legal guidance that broadcasting it could trigger the FCC's equal-time rule.

Why it matters

This is the first time a late-night talk show has changed its programming to meet the demands of the FCC's updated equal airtime guidance, which has ramped up efforts to crack down on perceived media bias. The move raises concerns about the FCC's influence over political coverage and the ability of late-night shows to freely criticize the administration.

The details

Colbert said CBS lawyers told him "in no uncertain terms" that an interview he had planned with Texas State Representative James Talarico would not air, even though Talarico was already in the studio. Colbert pointed to new FCC guidance from January warning media companies that talk shows carried on local broadcast networks were required to offer equal airtime to candidates competing for the same office. CBS said it presented the show "options for how the equal time for other candidates could be fulfilled."

  • On Monday, Colbert discussed the issue on his late-night show.
  • Early voting began on Tuesday in the Texas primary election, where Talarico is competing against Jasmine Crockett to be the state's Democratic nominee to run against Senator John Cornyn.

The players

Stephen Colbert

The host of "The Late Show" on CBS, who is a frequent critic of President Trump.

Brendan Carr

The chairman of the Federal Communications Commission, who has taken aim at late-night and daytime television shows that he believes are biased.

James Talarico

A Texas State Representative who is competing in the Democratic primary to run against Senator John Cornyn.

Jasmine Crockett

A Texas State Representative who is also competing in the Democratic primary to run against Senator John Cornyn.

John Cornyn

A Republican U.S. Senator from Texas.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.