The Trump administration’s crackdown on political bias in broadcast television has spilled into the U.S. Senate race in Texas.
State Rep. James Talarico, who is running in the March 3 Democratic primary for a chance to flip the seat currently held by Republican Sen. John Cornyn, was pulled into the drama after late-night host Stephen Colbert told his audience that CBS had blocked an interview with Mr. Talarico from airing.
“He 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,” Mr. Colbert told viewers Monday night. “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, let’s talk about this.”
CBS shared a different story, saying “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” was “not prohibited” from airing the segment.
The network executives said they warned that broadcasting the interview might trigger the Federal Communications Commission’s equal-time rule for two other candidates, including Mr. Talarico’s primary opponent, Rep. Jasmine Crockett, and that the show was given options for how to handle that.
“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,” the company said in a statement.
SEE ALSO: Texas’ Talarico raises $2.5 million after canned late-night interview
“The Late Show” apparently has not been eager to showcase the Republicans in the Senate race.
Matt Mackowiak, senior adviser to the Cornyn campaign, said the senator has “never been asked to appear on that show.”
Mr. Cornyn’s primary challengers are Rep. Wesley Hunt, who also has not been invited on “The Late Show,” and Attorney General Ken Paxton, whose team was sent a request for comment.
Mr. Colbert, a frequent critic of President Trump, said the network was worried about violating guidance issued this year by FCC Chair Brendan Carr. The guidance addressed political bias on broadcast TV by requiring candidates for public office to receive equal time on late-night and daytime talk shows.
Mr. Colbert mocked the entire idea. He said Mr. Carr was relying on the rule for political reasons.
“Let’s just call this what it is: Donald Trump’s administration wants to silence anyone who says anything bad about Trump on TV, because all Trump does is watch TV, OK?” Mr. Colbert said. “He’s like a toddler with too much screen time. He gets cranky and then drops a load in his diaper.”
Mr. Talarico and his allies, meanwhile, lapped up the free media attention. The candidate circulated the interview online and said the situation showed that the Trump‑led Republicans were getting nervous.
“This is the interview Donald Trump didn’t want you to see,” Mr. Talarico said on X. “His FCC refused to air my interview with Stephen Colbert.”
He added, “Trump is worried we’re about to flip Texas.”
Others said CBS made the right call and that the FCC was trying to restore fairness in campaign coverage. Republicans say equal coverage has been lacking in the Texas race.
A spokesperson for the Hunt campaign said, “The media industrial complex routinely elevates Democrats like James Talarico while ignoring conservative leaders who don’t fit their narrative.”
They added that if “late-night television truly valued real American stories,” then Mr. Colbert would have asked Mr. Hunt, who is a former combat pilot, West Point graduate and direct descendant of slaves, to appear on his show.
“The invitations never come,” the Hunt aide said.
When asked about CBS’s decision, the White House pointed reporters to the FCC, which did not respond to a request for comment.
All this was unfolding as early primary voting got underway in Texas. To avoid a May runoff, a candidate must secure more than 50% of the primary vote.
Democrats have not won statewide in Texas in 30 years. They hope frustration with Mr. Trump and the economy could create conditions to break that streak this fall.
This isn’t Mr. Talarico’s first run-in with the FCC.
The agency reportedly opened an investigation this month into ABC’s “The View,” questioning whether Mr. Talarico’s appearance on the show violated the equal‑time rule.
Mr. Carr’s Jan. 21 guidance spelled out exemptions for “bona fide” newscasts, news interviews, news documentaries or news events, but not for late-night or daytime talk shows.
“For years, legacy TV networks assumed that their late night & daytime talk shows qualify as ‘bona fide news’ programs — even when motivated by purely partisan political purposes,” Mr. Carr posted on X at the time. “Today, the FCC reminded them of their obligation to provide all candidates with equal opportunities.”
Mr. Colbert announced in July that CBS had canceled “The Late Show.” He recently confirmed that the show’s final episode would air May 21.
• Seth McLaughlin can be reached at smclaughlin@washingtontimes.com.
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