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Texas’s Senate primaries are underway, and the race is already attracting national attention, fueled by a dispute between late-night host Stephen Colbert and CBS over an interview with Democratic candidate James Talarico. Early voting began this week, setting the stage for a competitive election cycle in the Lone Star State.

The controversy erupted after Colbert accused his network of blocking an interview with Talarico, a Texas State Representative, from airing on “The Late Show.” Colbert claimed CBS’s legal team cited potential issues with the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) equal-time rule as the reason for the cancellation. The dispute has since ignited a debate about censorship and free speech, and has unexpectedly boosted Talarico’s campaign fundraising. The incident underscores the increasing scrutiny of political coverage in the current media landscape, particularly as the 2026 election cycle gains momentum.

According to Talarico’s campaign, the candidate raised over $2.5 million in the 24 hours following the release of the interview on YouTube, which was shared after CBS prevented its broadcast on television. “This is a campaign of, by, and for the people — so I’m proud that neighbors from all across our state and country stood together to defend free speech,” Talarico stated in a press release. He further characterized the situation as “the most dangerous kind of cancel culture, the kind that comes from the top,” arguing that any threat to First Amendment rights is a threat to all. Houston Public Media reported on the fundraising surge.

Colbert explained on air that CBS’s lawyers informed him he could not interview Talarico, citing the FCC’s equal-time rule. This rule requires broadcasters to provide equal opportunity for all legally qualified candidates. The interview was ultimately released on YouTube, where it garnered over five million views as of Wednesday morning. The Texas Tribune detailed the initial accusations made by Colbert.

CBS refuted Colbert’s account, stating that “The Late Show” was “not prohibited by CBS from broadcasting the interview with Rep. James Talarico.” In a statement read by Colbert, CBS explained that the show received legal guidance suggesting the broadcast could trigger the FCC equal-time rule for other candidates, including Representative Jasmine Crockett, and that options were presented to fulfill the requirement. The network stated that the show then chose to release the interview on YouTube with on-air promotion. CBS News published the full statement.

The situation arose from guidance issued by FCC Chairman Brendan Carr on January 21, directing daytime and late-night TV talk show hosts to offer equal airtime to all political candidates. Traditionally, talk shows have been exempt from these rules when conducting “bona fide news interviews.” Colbert, however, suggested the decision was influenced by the Trump administration, though this claim has not been independently verified.

The controversy surrounding the interview has thrust Talarico into the national spotlight. He is campaigning in the Democratic primary to represent Texas in the U.S. Senate. The early voting period, which began this week, will be crucial for candidates to establish momentum heading into the primary election on March 3. The Hill reported on Colbert’s dismissal of CBS’s denial.

As early voting continues, the focus will be on voter turnout and the candidates’ ability to mobilize their supporters. The Talarico-Colbert situation highlights the increasingly complex relationship between media, politics, and the public, and its potential impact on election outcomes. The incident similarly raises questions about the interpretation and application of FCC regulations in the digital age.

The coming weeks will reveal whether this unexpected controversy will translate into sustained support for Talarico’s campaign. The primary election results will provide a clear indication of the electorate’s priorities and preferences as Texas heads towards a pivotal election year.

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Pretoria – Suspended Deputy National Police Commissioner for Crime Detection, Shadrack Sibiya, testified before the Madlanga Commission on Wednesday, alleging a coordinated effort to bolster the social media presence of KwaZulu-Natal Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. Sibiya claimed numerous social media posts favorable to Mkhwanazi were not organic, but rather deliberately orchestrated. This testimony forms part of the ongoing inquiry into allegations of political interference within the South African Police Service.

Sibiya, during his first day of testimony, stated he had been provided with names of individuals allegedly involved in managing Mkhwanazi’s online image. He further asserted that a parallel campaign was underway to discredit him personally. “I’m told there are many accounts on social media. Directly or indirectly, there is no way he is not involved,” Sibiya told the commission, according to reporting from eNCA. The allegations center around a perceived imbalance in social media attention, with Mkhwanazi receiving consistently positive coverage.

Claims of a Targeted Disinformation Campaign

When questioned about whether Mkhwanazi possessed a personal social media account, Sibiya responded that he was unaware. However, he emphasized that the pervasive online support for Mkhwanazi extended beyond what could be considered natural engagement. “If We see the case that he does not have control over what people say about him, it cannot be that it is only about General Mkhwanazi and not any other provincial commissioners. All the pictures, whether its camouflage, everything that is happening on a daily basis about Mkhwanazi is on social media,” Sibiya stated. He maintained his statements were not based on speculation, despite being pressed by Advocate Adila Hassim SC.

The testimony comes amid broader scrutiny of Mkhwanazi’s public profile, particularly his popularity on platforms like TikTok. Daily Maverick reported that Sibiya specifically referenced the impact of Mkhwanazi’s TikTok followers, alleging they were used to attack him. The term “flayed” was used to describe the intensity of the online criticism.

Sibiya Denies Allegations of Corruption

Sibiya’s testimony too included a denial of allegations that he accepted bribes from Vusimuzi ‘Cat’ Matlala, an alleged organized crime boss and attempted murder accused. He dismissed evidence presented to the Commission suggesting financial exchanges, stating, “I have no knowledge or involvement in those exchanges and no information as to how the alleged messages were extracted, preserved or presented to the Commission.” Daily Maverick noted that the Commission is using a methodology similar to that employed by the Commission of Inquiry into State Capture to verify the authenticity of the WhatsApp messages in question.

Sibiya addressed claims made by Mkhwanazi himself, regarding the centralization of 121 dockets and alleged delays in arrests. These allegations, leveled by Mkhwanazi, suggested Sibiya’s complicity in criminal activity. Sibiya refuted these claims, offering no further details at this time.

What to Watch Next

The Madlanga Commission’s inquiry is ongoing, and further testimony is expected to shed light on the allegations of political interference and orchestrated social media campaigns within the SAPS. The commission is expected to continue hearing evidence related to the claims of docket centralization and delayed arrests. The outcome of the commission could have significant implications for the leadership and integrity of the South African Police Service.

What are your thoughts on these allegations? Share your comments below and join the conversation.