Paramount's Motives Questioned By FCC Commissioner As Stephen Colbert Alleges CBS Prevented James Talarico From Appearing

On Tuesday, a Democratic FCC commissioner accused Paramount Skydance (NASDAQ:PSKY) of yielding to political pressure after Stephen Colbert said CBS barred him from airing an interview with Texas Senate candidate James Talarico.

Anna Gomez Raises First Amendment Concerns

Federal Communications Commission member Anna Gomez criticized Paramount, the parent company of CBS, calling the alleged decision a "troubling example of corporate capitulation," The Hill reported. 

"The FCC has no lawful authority to pressure broadcasters for political purposes or to create a climate that chills free expression," Gomez said in a statement.

She added that CBS is fully protected by the First Amendment in deciding which interviews to broadcast.

Gomez noted that while Paramount may have regulatory matters pending before the government, "corporate interests cannot justify retreating from airing newsworthy content."

Paramount did not immediately respond to Benzinga's request for comments.

Stephen Colbert Says CBS Lawyers Blocked Interview

On Monday's episode of "The Late Show," host Colbert ...

Full story available on Benzinga.com