CBS Hits Back At Stephen Colbert Over James Talarico Interview

CBS has denied Stephen Colbert’s statement that the network did not allow him to air a scheduled interview with Democratic Texas State Representative James Talarico.

Colbert said on Monday’s broadcast that network attorneys instructed him “in no uncertain terms” not to air the pulled segment over fear of retaliation by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) due to its “equal time” rule.

The rule applies to broadcast television and radio stations that operate on public airwaves, requiring them to provide comparable airtime opportunities to all candidates running for a position. Talarico is campaigning in the Democratic primary for U.S. Senate.

But CBS said: “The Late Show was not prohibited by CBS from broadcasting the interview with Rep James Talarico.

“The show was provided legal guidance that the broadcast could trigger the FCC equal-time rule for two other candidates… and presented options for how the equal time for other candidates could be fulfilled.

“The Late Show decided to present the interview through its YouTube channel with on-air promotion on the broadcast rather than potentially providing the equal-time options.”

This is a developing story. More to follow.