Unions slam cancellation of 'Late Show with Stephen Colbert' as politically motivated

The cancellation of “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” is no laughing matter for the union crews who help put the late-night satirical program on the air. 

CBS’ decision, announced July 17, is expected to affect hundreds of writers, stagehands and other staffers who work at “The Late Show” when it goes off the air next May. Unions representing staff who work the show have decried the cancellation as a move to limit free speech.

Although CBS stated that its decision to end “The Late Show” was “purely financial,” many believed the cancellation was for political reasons. Just days before the cancellation, Colbert criticized a $16 million settlement reached between Paramount, CBS’ parent company, and President Trump over a “60 Minutes” interview with then-Vice President Kamala Harris.

Colbert has frequently taken aim against Trump. The president celebrated “The Late Show”’s cancellation, writing on Truth Social that “I absolutely love that Colbert got fired. His talent was even less than his ratings. I hear Jimmy Kimmel is next. Has even less talent than Colbert!”

“The Late Show” is far and away the highest-rated late night talk show and has been for several years running.

Robert Suttmann, the president of the American Federation of Musicians Local 802, raised concerns about how the show’s cancellation will impact not just live musicians and other employees working on the television program, but also free speech.

“The cancellation of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert without clear explanation is deeply concerning and raises serious questions about the broader implications for free expression and artistic freedom,” he said in a statement released last Friday. “Live music has been an integral part of late-night shows for decades – serving as a vital platform for musicians to reach audiences, showcase their artistry, and participate in cultural dialogue. Colbert’s cancellation threatens not only the livelihoods of the world-class musicians who perform on the show, it also undermines the fundamental principles of free speech and creative expression that are cornerstone values of our industry and our nation.”

Sutterman noted that Trump has warned TV networks NBC and ABC that their late night hosts will be next. “This is why it is vital for NBC and ABC to state, loudly and clearly, that they will not allow themselves to be similarly intimidated,” he said. “Now, more urgently than ever, is a time for courage, not cowardice.”

“CBS’s decision is about much more than just a late night talk show. When an administration tries to silence criticism and dissent by asserting its power, we all need to take notice,” he added. “Local 802 stands by our members and also in solidarity with our sisters and brothers in labor who work on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. We will take whatever steps are necessary to protect our workers.”

Colbert was named host of “The Late Show” in 2015 following the departure of David Letterman. Late-night TV programming has experienced a ratings decline in recent years. Still, “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” had 2.42 million viewers during the second quarter, according to Nielsen.

The Writers Guild of America also argued that the show’s cancellation was politically motivated. The union represents 23 writers on “The Late Show.”

“The Writers Guild of America calls on New York State Attorney General Letitia James, no stranger to prosecuting Trump for illegal business practices, to join California and launch an investigation into potential wrongdoing at Paramount,” the union wrote in a statement. “We call on our elected leaders to hold those responsible to account, to demand answers about why this beloved program was canceled and to assure the public that Colbert and his writers were not censored due to their views or the whims of the President.”

It continued, “In the meantime, the Writers Guild of America will support our members at The Late Show with Stephen Colbert and across the late-night industry as they speak truth to power and we will explore all potential legal and political avenues to fight for our members in the aftermath of this decision.”

clewis@thechiefleader.com