Welcome back to The Conversation, Newsweek's weekly roundup of reader comments. This week we turn our focus to Stephen Colbert, who made headlines after he claimed network CBS pulled his interview with Democratic Texas State Representative and Senate candidate James Talarico.
Colbert said on Monday's The Late Show that network attorneys instructed him "in no uncertain terms" not to air the pulled segment amid fear of retaliation by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) over its "equal opportunities ('equal time') requirement."
CBS, the network that airs the show, issued a statement denying that its lawyers told the host he could not broadcast the interview, suggesting they gave Colbert's show "legal guidance" and "presented options for how the equal time for other candidates could be fulfilled."
The FCC's "equal time" rule generally requires a broadcast station that lets a legally qualified candidate "use" the station to provide equal opportunities to other legally qualified candidates for the same office if they request it. Certain appearances, such as on news programs, may be exempt.
The nearly 15-minute interview is available on The Late Show's YouTube channel, where it has drawn millions of views.
This latest controversy comes after the announcement that The Late Show would end its 33-year run in May; Colbert has been at the helm since 2015. It also follows recent disputes the host has had with President Donald Trump and his administration.
Newsweek's readers were quick to react, some in favor of pulling the interview, saying that Colbert is "becoming too much trouble," while on the other side, they suggest that "equal time" only applies for ONE side."
Here is what you had to say:
Original Article: FCC's Brendan Carr Sends Warning To Stephen Colbert: 'Enforce the Law'
Background: Federal Communications Commission chair Brendan Carr warned he would "enforce the law" amid Stephen Colbert's dispute with his bosses at CBS over what he can air on his late-night talk show.
"So when does Jasmine Crockett, Wes Moore, Talarico, and others appear on Fox & Friends? Oh, never? I see. "Equal time" only applies for ONE side."
This reader pointed out what they see as double standards with the "equal time" rule that is at the heart of this story. They argue there's a double standard in how the 'equal time' issue is discussed, pointing to political guests on other shows as a comparison.
Sticking with the same article:
"CBS will probably end his contract earlier than scheduled. Colbert is becoming too much trouble, and his show doesn't even bring in strong ratings."
Taking a different approach, this reader argues that Colbert is becoming too much trouble for the network and suggests that any controversy surrounding the show is harder to justify now that his ratings aren't as strong.
Original Comment:
"Colbert is following the law. The 'equal time' rule requires broadcasters and radio stations that operate on public airwaves to provide comparable airtime opportunities to opposing political candidates. However, the rule has not traditionally been applied to talk shows."
Replying to the article, this reader states that "equal time" doesn't traditionally apply to talk shows and that Colbert was following the rules at the time. This comment proved popular among other readers.
Original Article:
Background: CBS denied Colbert's statement that the network had not allowed him to air the scheduled interview with Talarico.
"I would likely not have watched this interview if not for the massive media firestorm about the administration's attempts to suppress it. Great interview btw, glad I caught it."
This commenter suggests that the backlash surrounding the pulled interview ultimately drove more viewers to watch it, giving the segment greater exposure than it may have received otherwise. That view is supported by the strong numbers it has since posted on YouTube.
Sticking with the same article:
"When are they gonna pull the plug on this guy, he is only going to humiliate them until his contract expires, if they don't, they deserve what they get."
Offering a different take to the article, this reader asks the question: "When are they going to pull the plug?" Their comment, much like the one earlier, suggests the host will only humiliate the channel until his final show. Their argument is one that was echoed several times by other readers.