Late-night host Stephen Colbert revealed that his conversation with Democratic Texas Senate contender James Talarico was removed from Monday night’s show due to concerns that it could breach regulatory guidelines set by the Trump administration regarding equitable airtime for political candidates. The development occurred just prior to the commencement of early voting in the Texas primary elections, which are marked by intense competition for Senate nominations in both political parties.
Colbert disclosed on his program, “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert,” that despite Talarico’s scheduled appearance, the network’s legal team directly instructed them not to feature him on the broadcast. Moreover, Colbert emphasized that he was prohibited not only from hosting Talarico but also from discussing the absence of his appearance. This directive prompted Colbert to address the issue on air.
However, CBS disputed Colbert’s account, refuting the claim that the show was explicitly told not to conduct the interview with Talarico. Instead, CBS clarified that the legal advice provided indicated that airing the interview might trigger the FCC equal-time rule. This incident underscores the shifting landscape for media outlets navigating revised broadcasting guidelines under the previous administration, affecting their interactions with political candidates.
Talarico faces a competitive race for the Democratic nomination, with his primary opponent being U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett. Both candidates have garnered national recognition through widely shared social media content. On the Republican front, incumbent Senator John Cornyn is engaged in a tough battle against Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and U.S. Rep. Wesley Hunt.
Colbert’s interview with Talarico, though excluded from broadcast, was shared online, circumventing the equal-time provision applicable to broadcast platforms. This move came amidst heightened scrutiny following the FCC’s recent advisory cautioning talk show hosts about providing political candidates with equitable airtime, questioning the traditional exemption granted to such shows.
As Colbert faces an imminent exit from his hosting role, following the network’s decision to conclude his show in May, questions have emerged regarding the motives behind this move, especially given the timing following Colbert’s critical remarks about Trump. The upcoming primary elections in Texas hold significance for both parties, with candidates vying to secure the required majority vote to avoid a runoff.
While the FCC has not yet responded to inquiries, the debate over media coverage of political candidates persists, with implications for the evolving media landscape and the role of late-night talk shows in political discourse.
