Has The FCC's Media Regulation Outlived Its Purpose? Colbert's 'Equal Time' Flap, Explained

Has The FCC's Media Regulation Outlived Its Purpose? Colbert's 'Equal Time' Flap, Explained

Stephen Colbert says CBS lawyers pulled his interview with Texas state Rep. James Talarico over concerns about the FCC’s “Equal Time Rule.” So what exactly is that rule — and why is it suddenly back in the headlines? Michael speaks with Associated Press national politics reporter Meg Kinnard to break down the difference between the Equal Time Rule and the long-defunct Fairness Doctrine — and why the FCC under Chairman Brendan Carr appears to be taking a fresh look at enforcement. Does the Equal Time Rule apply to late-night comedy shows? Why could Colbert air the interview on YouTube but not on broadcast television? And if this rule is enforced, what does it mean for terrestrial radio talk show hosts like Sean Hannity and others? After his conversation with Kinnard, Michael has a lively conversation with the audience about free speech, fairness, media silos, and whether the marketplace — not Washington — should decide. Original air date 19 February 2026. Like what you're hearing? Please rate, review, and share this podcast, and to hear more, listen to The Michael Smerconish Program on SiriusXM. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Episoder(1801)

Today's Poll: Since He's Rich, Should Jeff Bezos Be Expected to Save The Washington Post?

Today's Poll: Since He's Rich, Should Jeff Bezos Be Expected to Save The Washington Post?

Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: "Should Jeff Bezos be held to a higher standard of financial commitment to the Washington Post because of his personal wealth?" After the Washington Post annou...

6 Feb 13min

Scott Galloway Warns of a “Slow Burn Into Fascism” — and Says THIS is the Only Fix

Scott Galloway Warns of a “Slow Burn Into Fascism” — and Says THIS is the Only Fix

Serial entrepreneur, bestselling author and NYU Professor Scott Galloway joins Michael for a wide-ranging and provocative conversation about power, politics, and protest. Galloway explains why he beli...

5 Feb 23min

Today's Poll: Is Boycotting Big Tech an Effective Way to Protest ICE Policies?

Today's Poll: Is Boycotting Big Tech an Effective Way to Protest ICE Policies?

Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: "Are major tech companies an appropriate target for those protesting ICE policies?" Michael examines a growing protest strategy urged by NYU Professor Scott Ga...

5 Feb 14min

Blue Wave Incoming? Halperin on Why Republicans Are in Real Trouble

Blue Wave Incoming? Halperin on Why Republicans Are in Real Trouble

2WAY's Mark Halperin is here for a wide-ranging conversation on power, accountability, and the future of American politics. He and Michael examine why Republicans are putting the Clintons front and ce...

4 Feb 29min

Today's Poll: Did Philly’s DA Go Too Far Calling ICE “Wannabe Nazis”?

Today's Poll: Did Philly’s DA Go Too Far Calling ICE “Wannabe Nazis”?

Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: "Who's right: Philly DA Larry Krasner who called ICE 'wannabe Nazis,' or Gov. Josh Shapiro who said that comment was 'abhorrent'?" Michael looks at the explosi...

4 Feb 14min

AI Is Quietly Rewriting Medicine—and Most Patients Have No Idea

AI Is Quietly Rewriting Medicine—and Most Patients Have No Idea

Artificial intelligence is already transforming healthcare—often in ways patients don’t even realize. Listen as Michael sits down with Dr. Anthony Mazzarelli, physician, lawyer, and co-CEO of Cooper U...

3 Feb 41min

Should SNAP Benefits Pay for Soda and Candy?

Should SNAP Benefits Pay for Soda and Candy?

Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Should states ban the use of food assistance benefits for purchasing candy and soda? A growing number of states are reconsidering what SNAP benefits should — a...

3 Feb 14min

92% of Detentions Aren’t Criminals: Who Is ICE Really Arresting?

92% of Detentions Aren’t Criminals: Who Is ICE Really Arresting?

Are ICE arrests really targeting dangerous criminals — or is the reality far more complicated? Michael is joined by Dr. Austin Kocher, professor at Syracuse University and one of the leading analysts ...

2 Feb 35min

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