Why Stephen Colbert is right about the ‘equal time’ rule, despite warnings from the FCC

The ‘equal time’ rule has been around for a century and aims to promote broadcasters’ editorial independence and free expression – an idea that is now under threat from the FCC.

By: Seth Ashley, Boise State University, The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: February 22, 2026

Words: 1,346

Last Updated: 1 day, 3 hours ago

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By Seth Ashley, Boise State University

Talk show host Stephen Colbert made headlines on Feb. 17, 2026, when he wrapped a network statement in a dog-waste bag and tossed it in the trash.

He did it live, while on air.

The move came after CBS lawyers reportedly told him he could not broadcast a scheduled interview with Democratic Texas Senate candidate James Talarico on his show, Late Night with Stephen Colbert. According to …

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