Stephen Colbert Said So: Free Speech Threatened

Be concerned: the government is threatening to control what is on the air -- in a new and unprecedented way -- via the FCC

Feb 18, 2026

Stephen Colbert said So; Free Speech is Being Threatened — Photo by Element5 Digital on Unsplash

Early voting started today in Texas, where I live, and you could feel the excitement at the polls. I go to the gym at the rec center, which is also home to early voting. The parking lots was packed and campaign signs littered the grounds like a hot estate sale. Candidates and supporters were out in full force, dancing along with the signs swaying in the wind. They reminded voters, and those of us there to sweat, why their person deserves your vote. The excitement and energy rivaled an elementary school carnival day, where all the kids go nuts with excitement and sugar.

The crowd was almost as reactive as the roar heard around the Internet today talking about how CBS did NOT air a political interview on Stephen Colbert’s talk show Monday night.

From The Bulwark to Hollywood Reporter — and everything in-between — you couldn’t look anywhere without running into this story today. Even God got in on the action.

But the biggest issue: those in charge are trying to control what is on the airwaves, in a new and unprecedented way, via the FCC

So what’s all the hubbub?

In the studio was James Talarico, who’s running in the Democratic primary for the U.S. Senate seat in Texas. Yes, Texas again. He was supposed to be Stephen’s guest. But the network, CBS — the one that hired Bari Weiss, who’s sole reason for existing seems to be kissing up to Trump — killed the interview.

Don’t worry! The interview is getting more attention than it would have otherwise and is available to watch on YouTube. It’s already racked up more than 3 million views. ⬇️⬇️

There is so much going on here!

The threat of Texas becoming purple is floated nearly every election. That’s interesting and possible. The NYT incorrectly stated that if Talarico wins, he’ll run against U.S. Senator John Cornyn, the Republican that’s up for re-election. But Cornyn’s got his own primary he first has to win, running against Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton.

If you haven’t heard, Paxton is quite a gem: you can’t even count of the number of legal “incidents” he’s been involved in. Now, where high school students protested against ICE, Paxton is going after the school districts, which is becoming a national story itself. Because it’s that bad!

As for the polls: Paxton is leading ahead of Cornyn, the incumbent. So yeah…airing an interview with someone who could run against this mess makes a ton of sense. Kudos to Colbert for doing his part to get the word out.

I contacted the NYT to let them know about this error. I’ve included a free link: will the story get updated? Let’s hope so.

The Biggest Threat

Unsurprisingly, Colbert’s reason for the interview not airing and the networks vary a bit. CBS says Talarico could only be on if the other candidates were given “equal time,” a long-standing FCC tenant where all candidates have to get equal air time. But that doesn’t apply to news coverage, nor has it historically applied to talk shows, like Colbert’s.

So now, if the FCC is trying to change this precedent, or simply threating to change it, it’s a threat to a free and fair election.

That’s why every media outlet out there is covering this. Why? This is a real threat to the First Amendment.

This is the government trying to control what is on the airwaves, in a new and unprecedented way, that’s only a lawsuit away from the Supreme Court.

By not airing the interview, CBS brought even more attention to the matter, hopefully making them question their own silly decision. Way to cave, CBS! At least Colbert has a backbone.