Tell CBS: Do Not Cave to Political Pressure

To the Leadership of CBS and Paramount Global:

Stephen Colbert revealed that a planned interview was blocked because of concerns about how the Trump administration’s FCC might respond.

When federal regulators signal they may target media outlets for coverage they dislike, and a network pulls back rather than proceeding, it sends a troubling message: political pressure works.

A free press cannot function if programming decisions are shaped by fear of partisan retaliation. Viewers deserve confidence that coverage is guided by editorial judgment, not by the threat of regulatory consequences.

This moment calls for clarity and courage.

Do not allow political intimidation to dictate your coverage. Do not set the precedent that federal pressure determines who is heard.

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On his show this week, Stephen Colbert revealed that CBS blocked a planned interview with Texas Senate candidate and effective Trump critic James Talarico. He said he was told the segment could not move forward because of concerns about how the Trump administration’s FCC might respond.

At the same time, the FCC has signaled it may revisit longstanding protections that shield news and commentary programs from equal time challenges.

That combination should alarm anyone who values a free press.

When federal regulators hint at consequences for critical coverage, and networks adjust their programming out of fear, political intimidation begins to shape what the public sees and hears.

This is bigger than one interview. It is about whether editorial decisions are guided by journalists or by partisan pressure.

CBS should make clear that its newsroom decisions are independent and not influenced by political threats.

Add your name to tell CBS: defend editorial independence and protect the integrity of your coverage.

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