The union representing musicians who work at The Late Show with Stephen Colbert has condemned CBS‘ cancellation of the program, and is calling on other networks “to state, loudly and clearly, that they will not allow themselves to be similarly intimidated.”
“Now, more urgently than ever, is a time for courage, not cowardice,” said Robert Suttmann, President of Local 802 American Federation of Musicians, in a lengthy and strongly worded statement.
CBS recently announced that Colbert, which routinely mocks and criticizes President Donald Trump, would cease production next May. The network insists that the cancellation was due only to financial reasons, but many observers, including Colbert and fellow late-night hosts, have made no secret of their suspicions that the move is connected to CBS parent company Paramount’s big-money merger with Skydance, a merger which requires FCC approval. CBS recently settled the $16 million 60 Minutes lawsuit with Donald Trump over what many legal experts believe to have been meritless.
In addition to the late night host solidarity, the cancellation has also drawn outrage from protesters. Now, Local 802 is adding its voice to the outrage.
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“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,” said Suttmann.
He continued, “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.”
“We need to be very honest about what’s happening here: the President of the United States himself has said he hopes he played a role in the decision, and has warned NBC and ABC that their late night hosts are next.”
The union vows to “take whatever steps are necessary to protect our workers.”
Read Suttmann’s full statement below.
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.
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.
We need to be very honest about what’s happening here: the President of the United States himself has said he hopes he played a role in the decision, and has warned NBC and ABC that their late night hosts are 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. 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.
When censorship is used as a tool to quash free speech, we must stand up together. What’s happening now is not only wrong, it goes against what we must stand for as a nation.
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.