As CBS and Colbert Feud, There’s a Surprising Winner

Hollywood Reporter

by Alex Weprin

February 19, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

The ongoing feud between CBS, Stephen Colbert, and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has sparked intense public debate over censorship and political influence. However, amid this controversy, CBS-owned Texas TV station KTVT in Dallas-Fort Worth has emerged as a surprising beneficiary, attracting significant ad spending from Senate hopefuls. In February alone, candidates like James Talarico, Jasmine Crockett, John Cornyn, Ken Paxton, and Wesley Hunt spent hundreds of thousands of dollars on the station’s airtime for political ads. The surge in ad spending highlights the strategic importance of local TV in national politics, even as digital platforms gain traction. For instance, Talarico allocated $169,350 to KTVT, focusing on prime-time slots and popular shows like *The Price is Right*, while Crockett spent $52,700, with daytime soaps and local news driving her ad placements. Notably, Crockett also purchased a $1,400 spot during *The Late Show with Stephen Colbert*, making it the cheapest option compared to other show ad rates. The political files reveal how candidates are leveraging local TV to reach voters. Talarico’s interview on *The Late Show* went viral on YouTube, generating tens of millions of views and raising millions for his campaign. This incident underscores the unintended consequences of media coverage in elections, as Colbert’s decision to highlight the interview amplified its impact, despite CBS’s involvement. FCC Chairman Brendan Carr weighed in, emphasizing that talk shows like *The Late Show* are not considered news outlets and must adhere to equal-time rules when hosting political candidates. He reiterated Congress’s intent to prevent media bias in elections, though the Colbert incident has sparked questions about whether such exemptions are being upheld. The controversy highlights the delicate balance between entertainment and journalism in shaping public opinion. Ultimately, the ad spending boom on KTVT reflects the enduring value of local TV in political campaigns

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Originally published on Hollywood Reporter on 2/19/2026