Colbert says CBS pulled interview over FCC equal-time concerns

Stephen Colbert said CBS pulled a scheduled interview with Democratic Texas state representative James Talarico from The Late Show's broadcast, so the program posted the conversation on YouTube instead. By midday Tuesday the video had amassed more than 2 million views, far outpacing recent guest clips.

Colbert told viewers that network lawyers intervened, saying the appearance could not air and that he was instructed not to mention the decision on air. CBS said it did not prohibit the broadcast but provided legal guidance, warning the interview could trigger the FCC's equal-time rule for two other candidates, including Rep.

Jasmine Crockett, and the show chose to publish the segment online. The dispute centers on the FCC rule, which applies to over-the-air broadcasters and requires equivalent opportunities for legally qualified candidates; online platforms such as YouTube are not covered.

United States, Texas

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