CBS denies that it blocked Stephen Colbert from airing interview with Texas Democrat

CBS denied Tuesday that it blocked The Late Show host Stephen Colbert from airing an interview on his show with Texas state Rep. James Talarico on Monday night, stating that it warned him instead that the interview could trigger an FCC regulation.

Colbert claimed during his Monday night show that he was supposed to have Talarico, who is running for the Democratic nomination for the U.S. Senate from Texas, on the show but was told by the network's lawyers not to do the interview or even mention it.

“[James Talarico] was supposed to be here, but we were told in no uncertain terms by our network’s lawyers, who called us directly, that we could not have him on the broadcast,” Colbert said. “Then, I was told, in some uncertain terms, that not only could I not have him on, I could not mention me not having him on and because my network clearly doesn’t want us to talk about this."

The network denied Colbert's claim in a statement to Deadline, claiming the host and his team were notified that the broadcast could trigger the Federal Communications Commission's equal-time rule for the primary's other two candidates.

“The Late Show was not prohibited by CBS from broadcasting the interview with Rep. James Talarico," the company said. "The show was provided legal guidance that the broadcast could trigger the FCC equal-time rule for two other candidates, including [Texas Democratic] Rep. Jasmine Crockett, and presented options for how the equal time for other candidates could be fulfilled. 

"The Late Show decided to present the interview through its YouTube channel with on-air promotion on the broadcast rather than potentially providing the equal-time options,” it added.

Democratic FCC Commissioner Anna Gomez claimed Paramount's decision to not air the interview during Colbert's show was "disappointing" because it was yielding "to political pressure," despite being protected by the First Amendment.

“This is yet another troubling example of corporate capitulation in the face of this Administration’s broader campaign to censor and control speech,” Gomez said. “The FCC has no lawful authority to pressure broadcasters for political purposes or to create a climate that chills free expression.”

The decision comes after FCC Chair Brendan Carr issued guidance last month, reminding broadcasters of the equal access rule that requires political candidates have equal access to broadcast station facilities regardless of political affiliation.