Democratic Texas State Representative James Talarico recently launched his campaign for the U.S. Senate, marking a significant moment in Texas politics. On September 9, 2025, Talarico was scheduled to appear on "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert." However, CBS informed Colbert that legal concerns prevented the broadcast of the interview, as it could potentially trigger the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) equal-time rule due to other candidates in the race.
During his show, Colbert expressed frustration over the network's decision, mentioning that he could not even discuss the matter without facing restrictions. He suggested that CBS's actions were motivated by a fear of repercussions from the FCC. This situation reflects ongoing tensions between late-night television hosts and regulatory bodies, particularly following a similar incident involving Jimmy Kimmel.
The FCC recently issued guidance reinforcing the equal opportunity provision for political candidates, which applies to political broadcasts, including talk show appearances. CBS stated that it offered options to comply with the equal-time rule, but ultimately, "The Late Show" chose to air the interview online instead.
Talarico later shared the interview on his campaign’s social media, criticizing what he described as "cancel culture" from higher authorities. He argued that such actions pose a threat to First Amendment rights. He is currently in a competitive primary race against fellow Democrat Jasmine Crockett, with the winner facing Republican candidates in the upcoming election.
FCC Commissioner Anna Gomez commented on the situation, urging broadcasters to resist pressures that may lead to self-censorship. The FCC has not yet responded to inquiries regarding CBS's legal concerns.