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Podcast: The Smerconish Podcast
Episode: Today's Poll Question: Should the FCC Enforce “Equal Time”? The Colbert Controversy Explained
Description: Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: "Should licensed broadcast radio and television stations have to give equal time to competing political candidates?" A Stephen Colbert interview with Texas Senate candidate James Talarico has reignited debate over the FCC’s nearly century-old equal time rule. After CBS lawyers raised concerns about triggering the regulation, Colbert cried foul — and the controversy exploded online. Michael breaks down what the rule actually says, how it differs from the Fairness Doctrine, and whether “spectrum scarcity” still justifies government oversight in today’s media landscape. Is this selective enforcement, political pressure, or simply the law being applied? A...