Summary
CBS announced it will end "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert" in May 2026, citing a drop in viewers. This decision came shortly after Stephen Colbert criticized CBS's parent company, Paramount, for settling a lawsuit with former President Trump. The cancellation coincides with the Federal Communications Commission approving a major merger involving Paramount.
Key Facts
- CBS will cancel "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert" in May 2026.
- CBS cited declining viewership as the reason for ending the show.
- Stephen Colbert recently criticized Paramount for settling a legal case with Trump.
- The cancellation came soon after the Federal Communications Commission approved a merger involving Paramount.
- The FCC approved an $8 billion merger between Skydance and Paramount.
- The US media landscape has changed significantly since the 1980s due to deregulation.
- The Fairness Doctrine, which required broadcasters to air different views, was abolished in 1987.
- Only a few companies now control 90% of US media, down from over 50 in 1983.
