Censorship in Late-Night: The Colbert Controversy

Stephen Colbert claims he was prohibited by CBS lawyers from airing an interview with Texas State Representative James Talarico on his late-night show. The FCC's recent decision has revoked talk shows' exemption from equal time rules, leading CBS to post the interview online instead. Critics view the actions as censorship.

Stephen Colbert, host of CBS's late-night show, has asserted that network lawyers prevented him from airing an interview with Democratic Texas State Representative James Talarico. Talarico, who is running for the U.S. Senate, appeared on the show, but the segment was deemed too politically charged amid current FCC regulations.

The FCC, led by Republicans, declared that both daytime and late-night talk shows no longer qualify as exempt from equal time rules. As a result, CBS excised the segment from the broadcast, subsequently placing it on its YouTube page. This situation stirred controversy, with FCC officials and media outlets questioning whether these decisions stemmed from a need to comply with regulatory financial motives.

CBS defended its actions, citing legal counsel's advice to prevent triggering equal-time policies mandated for opposing candidates. In response to opposition, FCC Commissioner Anna Gomez condemned the move as an act of censorship, arguing CBS's right to broadcast the interview under the mantle of free speech and questioning the administration's involvement.

(With inputs from agencies.)