Senate Democrats investigate CBS over blocked Colbert interview

The Guardian World

by Ed Pilkington

February 24, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

The U.S. Senate Democrats are investigating claims of political censorship involving CBS, specifically whether the network prevented Stephen Colbert from broadcasting an interview with James Talarico, a Texas Democratic candidate. Richard Blumenthal, the ranking Democrat on the Senate’s permanent subcommittee on investigations, has sent letters to the FCC’s enforcement bureau and Paramount Skydance CEO David Ellison, demanding records related to the controversy. The inquiry also seeks information about any communications between CBS and Donald Trump’s White House. Blumenthal’s actions come amid allegations that CBS, owned by Paramount Global, blocked the interview as part of a broader effort to suppress progressive voices in media. Colbert, known for his political satire on *The Late Show*, has been a prominent figure in entertainment and journalism, raising questions about why such an interview would be censored. The Texas Democratic candidate, James Talarico, had reportedly agreed to appear on the show, but the episode was never aired. This investigation highlights tensions between media outlets and political figures over content regulation, particularly during election cycles. Critics argue that such actions could undermine press freedom and fair representation in media, potentially influencing public perception of candidates. The case has drawn attention from free-speech advocates and media watchdogs, who warn that similar tactics could set a dangerous precedent for future elections. Blumenthal’s move is part of a broader push by Democrats to address concerns about media bias and government overreach. The senator’s request for documents includes details on internal decision-making processes at CBS and

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Originally published on The Guardian World on 2/24/2026