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Stephen Colbert calls out CBS for blocking interview with Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico

February 18, 2026

Stephen Colbert's planned interview with Texas Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico was canceled by CBS due to concerns over violating FCC equal time rules. Colbert publicly criticized the decision, suggesting that the Trump administration's regulatory actions are being used to suppress political dissent on broadcast television.

U.S. Senate primary candidate Texas state Rep. James Talarico, D-Austin, participates in a debate with Rep. Jasmine Crockett, D-Texas, during the Texas AFL-CIO Committee on Political Education Convention, Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026, in Georgetown, Texas. (Bob Daemmrich/Texas Tribune via AP, Pool)

Credit: (Bob Daemmrich / Associated Press)

Key Highlights

James Talarico is a Democratic candidate running for the U. S. Senate from Texas.
CBS lawyers blocked the interview due to fears of violating federal equal time rules.
Colbert was instructed not to mention the cancellation on air but chose to address it openly.
The controversy arose just before early voting for Texas' primary elections.
Talarico is competing against Rep. Jasmine Crockett in the Democratic primary.

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Sources

This quick summary is automatically generated using AI based on reports from multiple news sources. The content has not been reviewed or verified by humans. For complete details, accuracy, and context, please refer to the original published articles.

Stephen Colbert calls out CBS for blocking interview with Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico

Key Highlights

Sources

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