The equal time rule is no match for the YouTube age

Fast Company Tech

by Harry McCracken

February 20, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

The equal time rule, a decades-old FCC regulation requiring broadcasters to provide airtime to political candidates’ competitors if requested, is increasingly becoming obsolete in the age of YouTube. The recent controversy over Stephen Colbert’s interview with Democratic candidate James Talarico highlights this shift: when CBS lawyers raised concerns about airing the segment due to the rule, Colbert simply moved the interview to YouTube, where it amassed over eight million views—a response that underscores how streaming platforms bypass traditional broadcast regulations. The FCC’s equal time rule was once a well-intentioned measure to ensure fair representation in media, especially during its early days of radio and TV broadcasting. However, as discussed in the article, the rule has become increasingly outdated. Its application has diminished over the decades, with exemptions for news interviews and debates like the 1960 Kennedy-Nixon debates. The rise of streaming services like YouTube, which isn’t bound by such regulations, has further marginalized the rule’s relevance. With 78% of American households now having broadband access and millions turning to platforms like Netflix or Hulu, traditional broadcast TV is becoming a niche market. The incident with Colbert also raises broader questions about media regulation and concentration. While the FCC continues to wield the equal time rule as a tool against perceived threats—like Colbert’s criticism of figures like Brendan Carr—the agency’s focus on outdated broadcasting models misses the mark. YouTube’s dominance, with two billion monthly logged-in users, exemplifies how modern audiences consume content differently. This shift not only challenges traditional media giants but also underscores the need for regulators to adapt to evolving digital platforms. For those interested in design and tech, this signals a broader cultural shift toward decentralized, user-driven media consumption.

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Originally published on Fast Company Tech on 2/20/2026