Title: Stephen Colbert’s Interview with Texas State Rep. James Talarico: A Battle of Free Speech in America? In an era where freedom of speech is increasingly under threat, “Late Show” host Stephen Colbert found himself at the center of a controversy when CBS decided not to air his interview with Texas state representative James Talarico out of fear of violating FCC regulations. The decision sparked outrage among free-speech advocates and raised questions about the extent to which government agencies can control media content in America. The interview, published on YouTube, saw Colbert and Talarico discussing the Federal Communications Commission’s crackdown on media outlets that criticize President Trump. In particular, they focused on the FCC opening a probe into ABC’s “The View” after Talarico appeared on the show. The Texas state representative accused the Trump administration of selling out the First Amendment to curry favor with corrupt politicians and warned that any threat to one’s free speech rights is a danger to all Americans. CBS later issued a statement claiming they were not prohibited from broadcasting the interview but provided legal guidance on how it could trigger the FCC equal-time rule for other candidates, including Rep. Jasmine Crockett. The network stated that “The Late Show” decided to present the interview through its YouTube channel with on-air promotions. This incident highlights a growing concern in America about government interference in media content and freedom of speech. It is essential to remember that the First Amendment was established to protect citizens’ right to express their opinions without fear of retribution from the government or other powerful entities. The fact that CBS chose not to air an interview due to potential FCC repercussions sends a chilling message about the state of free speech in America today. As we move forward, it is crucial for citizens and media outlets alike to stand up against any attempts by the government or other organizations to suppress freedom of expression. We must continue fighting for our right to speak freely without fear of retaliation or censorship. The battle for free speech may be far from over, but incidents like Stephen Colbert’s interview with James Talarico serve as a reminder that we cannot afford to remain silent in the face of oppression.
Source: [Original Article](https://www.nbcnews.com/business/media/stephen-colbert-cbs-james-talarico-fcc-rcna259341)
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