Late-night host Stephen Colbert accused CBS of censoring his interview with Texas Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico, claiming the network bowed to pressure from the Trump-era FCC over fears of violating the equal time rule.
The denial to air the interview ignited a fierce debate about censorship and political influence in media, with Talarico positioning himself as a victim of a broader strategy to silence dissenting voices ahead of an important election.
FCC Chairman Brendan Carr dismissed the controversy as a "hoax," arguing that the claims surrounding censorship were exaggerated by media outlets.
In the wake of the interview's cancellation, Talarico experienced a surge in campaign donations, raising $2.5 million within just 24 hours, transforming the incident into a rallying cry for his supporters.
Colbert expressed his frustration publicly, criticizing CBS for capitulating to political pressure and declaring his intent to share the interview online despite the network's restrictions.
The incident has intensified discussions about media responsibility and the implications of FCC regulations on political coverage, as candidates in the Texas Senate race navigate the shifting landscape of media access and representation.
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