re: Colbert didn’t want to have Jasmine Crockett on, so he lied that Trump used FCC

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FCC’s expanded use of the equal time provision…

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This is always a concern.

By the way, news programs are exempted from the equal time provision of FCC.

At some point in the past, it was believed that through FCC inaction that equal time equal access rule to excluded talk shows as they were considered news lite shows with interviews that could be considered a news interview or news event.

It was also put in place so a host wouldn't have to interview every single candidate running for President or require news programs to interview every candidate on a single issue especially if it involved an incumbent.

Recently the FCC, clarified in that late night comedy/entertainment shows should not be considered a bona fied news interview. And that decisions on this are fact specific and a station shouldn't use one previous decision to paint a broad brush on other shows or situation.

See FCC Guidance

Here is what a summary of the rules entail.

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Key details regarding the FCC's Equal Access/Equal Time Rule:

Triggering Events: The rule is triggered when a "legally qualified candidate" appears on air in a non-exempt, positive manner, whether through paid ads or free,, allowed appearances.

Scope: Applies to broadcast stations (TV and radio) because they use public spectrum, but does not apply to cable channels, streaming services, or podcasts.

Equal Opportunities Definition: Stations must provide comparable time and placement to opposing candidates, but not necessarily identical programming.

Exceptions (Bona Fide News): The rule does not apply to appearances on:
Bona fide newscasts.
Bona fide news interviews.
Bona fide news documentaries.
On-the-spot coverage of news events (including political conventions).

Time Limits: Opposing candidates must request equal time within seven days of the initial, triggering appearance.

Notifying Opponents: Stations are not required to notify opposing candidates directly; they must instead list all appearances in their online public inspection file.

Recent Guidance (2026): The FCC Media Bureau clarified that this rule applies to entertainment programming, such as late-night or daytime talk shows, if they provide a platform for political candidates to appear in a manner not covered by news exemptions.

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One thing missing in that summary is a rule or guidance on debates. Since TV stations and/or organizations make their own rules in limiting the number of candidates who appear to make the debates more manageable instead of having all 20 candidates that maybe running for office.

That could be why most Debates are sponsored by outside organizations like the League of Women's Voters or Commission of Presidential Debates to handle the rules and qualifications so that the coverage of is considered a News Event than an event that triggers the Equal Access/Equal Access Rule.

My overwhelming concern is why is a national talk show getting involved in state politics. I can understand interviewing someone like Speaker Mike Johnson or Majority Leader Steve Scalise or the leaders on the Democratic side.

Getting involved in these smaller/more local races does seem concerning and should trigger the Equal Time provision.