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CBS Fires Stephen Colbert Over Contract After Merger Settlement

4/29/2026

37 6 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

CBS terminated Stephen Colbert after he rejected a five-year contract and accepted a three-year deal.
The termination occurred after the Paramount-Skydance merger settled a $20 billion lawsuit for $16 million and invoked FCC compliance.
CBS set up an in-house watchdog and appointed Bari Weiss, head of CBS News.
Colbert said he is grateful, wants no conflict, and alleges the network yielded to President Donald Trump and FCC oversight.

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Story summary

CBS terminated Stephen Colbert after he rejected a five-year contract and accepted a three-year deal.
The termination occurred after the Paramount-Skydance merger settled a $20 billion lawsuit for $16 million and invoked FCC compliance.
CBS set up an in-house watchdog and appointed Bari Weiss, head of CBS News.
Colbert said he is grateful, wants no conflict, and alleges the network yielded to President Donald Trump and FCC oversight.