The NPR Politics Podcast · NPR

Is the FCC 'equal time' rule leading to media censorship — and self-censorship?

February 25, 2026·17 min·1 clip
Conservative talk radio interviews candidates freely while liberal shows face FCC scrutiny for the same actions.
This episode examines how the FCC's equal time rule is being used by the Trump administration to pressure media companies, leading to self-censorship by networks like CBS. The discussion centers on Stephen Colbert's canceled interview with a Democratic Senate candidate and explores the broader implications for free speech and corporate media interests.
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