FCC Chairman Brendan Carr addressed claims made by late-night host Stephen Colbert regarding censorship related to an interview with Democratic Texas U.S. Senate candidate James Talarico. Colbert asserted that CBS prevented him from airing the interview due to potential FCC scrutiny under the equal-time rule. Carr, however, clarified that CBS did allow the interview but mentioned that Colbert would need to comply with equal-time requirements if he aired it.

Carr's comments emerged during an appearance on Fox News, where he described the situation as 'Democrat-on-Democrat violence' and criticized Colbert and CBS for claiming victimhood. He emphasized that CBS’s decision was not an outright ban but rather a caution concerning regulatory compliance. This response highlighted the complexities of media regulations and the equal-time rule that requires broadcasters to provide equal opportunities to candidates in political races.

The incident raises important conversations about media bias, censorship, and the role of regulatory bodies in political broadcasting. Carr's remarks underscore the challenges that media outlets face, especially in the highly polarized political climate, where allegations of bias and censorship can influence public perception. The broader implications of this situation may affect how networks handle political content and manage compliance with FCC rules in the future.