CBS Statement
"The Late Show was not prohibited by CBS from broadcasting the interview with Rep. James Talarico. The show was provided legal guidance that the broadcast could trigger the FCC equal-time rule for two other candidates, including Rep. Jasmine Crockett, and presented
options for how the equal time for other candidates could be fulfilled. 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."
There was no pressure. They did it by choice instead of making a few tweaks to segment timing.
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Dave Trouser ; the people's choice - 75% agree, Thu 19 Feb 2026, 11:40,
Reply)
the producers of the Late Show are in dispute with CBS (paramount), a trump ally
CBS have already taken the decision to cancel the Late show despite it being the highest rated show in the late night slot with an increasing audience, something that Trump has been directly calling for.
So characterising a direction from CBS to the Late Show to be the first entertainment show since 1959 to not be protected by the bonafide news exemption, change their format so they have to start interviewing all political candidates for a comedy show now and into the future or else don't do the interview, as either "no pressure" or "their own choice", might be underselling it somewhat.
One could even say that this reinterpretation of the FCC law could be part of an authoritarian pattern to silence any critical voices, like his kowtowing of universities, using the approval of media mergers (to his allies) to dictate favourable programming, shutting down the release of dept of statitistics data, etc.
From what I see in many of his supporters and the bullshit they get convinced by, it's already pretty effective.
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cumquat may will not be commenting further on the allegations, Thu 19 Feb 2026, 12:28,
Reply)
So they did it to deny Crockett a platform
As had they aired it, their lawyers advised them that they might have to provide a platform for a black woman running against a white man. It's a primary, they're both democrats.
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An Egg ,D, Thu 19 Feb 2026, 23:28,
Reply)
I know how much defending civil rights means to you, egg
but they did try the whole "supporting the black woman candidate" before and how did that work out?
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cumquat may will not be commenting further on the allegations, Fri 20 Feb 2026, 1:58,
Reply)
Come on. They clearly snubbed her because she's black and they're horrible racists.
It's the only rational conclusion.
(, Fri 20 Feb 2026, 10:40, Reply)
that's not the only rational conclusion
it might be their audience that are horrible racists and they're just protecting them from having to listen to a black woman talk
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cumquat may will not be commenting further on the allegations, Fri 20 Feb 2026, 11:03,
Reply)