On his show, "The Late Show," Stephen Colbert expressed frustration over CBS's decision to bar him from interviewing Texas Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico. Colbert revealed that CBS's legal team instructed him not only against conducting the interview but also advised him not to mention this restriction to his audience. This move allegedly aligns with the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) enforcement of the equal time rule, a regulation that requires broadcast networks to provide equal airtime to all legally qualified candidates regardless of party affiliation.

Colbert linked the CBS decision to the FCC’s recent acknowledgment that liberal talk shows had previously operated without the restrictions of the equal time rule, suggesting that the new enforcement actions are politically motivated. The FCC Chairman, Brendan Carr, had implied that such programs lacked impartiality and were biased toward one party during his announcement of the crackdown. Colbert wasn't shy about critiquing Carr, suggesting that the chairman himself is not free from partisan motivations, humorously stating, "Well, sir, you're chairman of the FCC, so FCC you."

This incident raises questions about the balance of political discourse on public networks and the implications of regulatory actions on freedom of expression within media outlets. Colbert's criticism reflects a growing concern among progressive voices regarding limitations imposed on broadcast media, especially in the context of increasing scrutiny from regulatory bodies like the FCC. As the landscape of late-night television intersects with political engagement, such events may influence how candidates and discussions are presented in the mainstream media.