Morning Joe

CBS nixed Talarico interview over FCC concerns, Colbert claims

Feb 18, 2026
Jim VandeHei, CEO and co-founder of Axios, offers sharp media and political analysis. He digs into the Colbert-CBS dispute and FCC equal-time questions. Conversation also covers corporate motives, political pressure, and the media fallout from silencing public figures.
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ANECDOTE

Jesse Jackson's 1988 Campaign Moment

  • John Meacham and Joe Scarborough read a vivid passage from Richard Ben Cramer's account of Jesse Jackson's 1988 primary surge.
  • The passage illustrates Jackson's charisma and his human moment comforting rival Dick Gephardt.
INSIGHT

Equal-Time Exemption Isn't Clear-Cut

  • The FCC's bona fide news interview exemption may not cover partisan-motivated late-night shows.
  • Commissioner Anna Gomez criticized networks yielding to political pressure instead of defending First Amendment choices.
INSIGHT

Silencing Backfires In The Digital Age

  • Attempts to silence political voices on one platform often produce louder, less-regulated outlets elsewhere.
  • Colbert's online posting and other creators can amplify banned content beyond network reach.
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