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Los Angeles Today
By the People, for the People
Colbert Clashes with CBS Over Talarico Interview
Late-night host refuses to back down from network's legal concerns about equal time rule.
Published on Feb. 21, 2026
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Stephen Colbert is engaged in a public dispute with CBS over the network's decision to prevent him from airing an interview with Democratic Texas Senate candidate James Talarico on 'The Late Show.' Colbert claims CBS lawyers had previously approved the segment, but the network later cited concerns about the FCC's equal time rule. Colbert responded by posting the interview on YouTube and criticizing CBS for not standing up to 'bullies' like FCC Chairman Brendan Carr.
Why it matters
This clash highlights the ongoing tensions between late-night hosts and their network bosses over creative control and political commentary. Colbert's willingness to publicly defy CBS underscores his commitment to addressing issues he sees as important, even if it puts him at odds with the network's legal concerns.
The details
Colbert said he was surprised by a CBS statement denying that its lawyers had told him he couldn't air the Talarico interview, which he had planned to show the previous night. He then dramatically threw away a copy of the network's statement wrapped in a dog poop bag. Colbert argued that the equal time rule Carr was considering enforcing had never been applied to late-night talk show interviews before, and accused CBS of 'generously' doing Carr's work for him.
- On Tuesday night, Colbert addressed the dispute on 'The Late Show'.
- In January, FCC Chairman Brendan Carr said he was considering eliminating the exemption for late-night talk shows from the equal time rule.
- Last summer, CBS announced that Colbert's show would be ending in May 2026, citing economic reasons.
The players
Stephen Colbert
The host of 'The Late Show' on CBS, known for his biting political commentary and criticism of former President Donald Trump.
CBS
The television network that airs 'The Late Show with Stephen Colbert' and is owned by Paramount Global.
Brendan Carr
The current chairman of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), who has expressed interest in enforcing the equal time rule for late-night talk shows.
James Talarico
A Democratic candidate for the Texas Senate.
What they’re saying
“We looked and we can't find one example of this rule being enforced for any talk show interview, not only for my entire late-night career, but for anyone's late-night career going back to the 1960s.”
— Stephen Colbert, Host, 'The Late Show' (The Late Show with Stephen Colbert)
“I don't know what this is about. For the record, I'm not even mad. I really don't want an adversarial relationship with the network. I've never had one.”
— Stephen Colbert, Host, 'The Late Show' (The Late Show with Stephen Colbert)
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.
