Stephen Colbert, Trump and what’s making broadcasters nervous - Los Angeles Times
Los Angeles Times
by Stephen BattaglioFebruary 20, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Brendan Carr has been using an obscure rule to pressure major TV networks, creating tensions between broadcasters and the Trump administration. This clash came to light after Stephen Colbert publicly criticized CBS for allegedly withholding his interview with Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico to appease the Trump administration. While CBS denies this claim, Colbert chose to share the interview on YouTube, bypassing FCC regulations. The incident highlights the growing friction between media outlets and the Trump administration, which views network coverage as biased against conservative policies.
Carr has been leading efforts to enforce the equal-time rule, requiring broadcasters to offer airtime to opposing political candidates.
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Originally published on Los Angeles Times on 2/20/2026