Democrats have praised late-night host Stephen Colbert for his unapologetic critique of power, following CBS’s announcement that the show will be canceled in 2026. The network cited a financial decision, though some Democrats, including House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Governor Tim Walz, linked the cancellation to Colbert’s outspoken stance against corporate interests, particularly his criticism of Paramount’s $50 million settlement with Donald Trump. Senators like Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren have raised concerns about the decision being politically motivated, highlighting Colbert’s role as a platform for Democratic politicians.
The cancellation of Colbert’s show has sparked widespread debate about the influence of corporate interests in media decisions. While CBS insists the move is purely financial, many Democrats, including Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, have questioned whether the decision was influenced by the network’s ownership changes. The network’s parent company, Paramount Global, is currently in negotiations to sell its media assets, including CBS, to Skydance Media. This has raised concerns that the cancellation of the show may be part of an effort to align with new owners, particularly given Colbert’s public criticism of the Trump settlement.
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