Navarro Warns of 'Selective' FCC Enforcement Against Talk Radio

CNN host raises concerns about potential Democratic administration targeting conservative media outlets.

Feb. 26, 2026 at 9:55pm

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TV host Ana Navarro warned that a future Democratic president may use 'selective' enforcement of the FCC's equal-time rule to target conservative talk radio programs, in response to a controversy surrounding a CBS interview with a Texas Democratic candidate.

Why it matters

The comments highlight ongoing tensions between media outlets and political parties over issues of fairness and access, with concerns that the FCC's equal-time rule could be applied in a partisan manner to disadvantage certain media voices.

The details

Navarro's comments came after Stephen Colbert accused CBS of blocking 'The Late Show' from airing his interview with Texas state representative James Talarico (D), saying the network would only allow the segment to be posted on YouTube. CBS denied prohibiting the broadcast, stating the show was provided legal guidance that the interview could trigger the FCC's equal-time rule for other candidates, including Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-Texas), who is running against Talarico in the Democratic Senate primary.

  • The controversy surrounding the CBS interview occurred in February 2026.

The players

Ana Navarro

A co-host of the CNN show 'Newsnight' and a political commentator.

Stephen Colbert

The host of 'The Late Show' on CBS.

James Talarico

A Texas state representative running in the Democratic Senate primary.

Jasmine Crockett

A Texas state representative running against Talarico in the Democratic Senate primary.

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What they’re saying

“Well, you know what? There may be a president in the next term who decides that he wants to, or she wants to, apply it to talk radio, and let's see how Republicans like that.”

— Ana Navarro, Co-host, CNN's 'Newsnight'

“I think Donald Trump and his billionaire friends know that we're about to take back Texas.”

— James Talarico, Texas state representative

What’s next

The FCC's equal-time rule and its potential application to political media coverage will likely continue to be a topic of debate in the lead-up to the 2026 midterm elections.

The takeaway

Navarro's comments highlight the ongoing tensions between media outlets and political parties over issues of fairness and access, with concerns that the FCC's equal-time rule could be applied in a partisan manner to disadvantage certain media voices, raising questions about the rule's continued relevance in the modern media landscape.