CBS has halted its crackdown on unauthorized uploads of Stephen Colbert’s guest-hosted “Only in Monroe” amid backlash from fans. Colbert guest-hosted the Michigan public-access show on May 22. Additionally, the network denied claims that it was trying to suppress Colbert’s return to TV. It shared a statement that it will pause further takedowns of unauthorized uploads.
CBS backs down on Stephen Colbert show amid backlash
CBS has reversed its decision on the Stephen Colbert show upload crackdown after facing backlash from fans. As per Variety, CBS has been issuing takedown notices to YouTube users who are uploading bootleg versions of Colbert’s recent hosting gig on “Only in Monroe”. The videos are copyrighted, financed by CBS, and can be watched only on Colbert’s newly launched YouTube channel.
CBS backed out after fans complained that the company was indulging in unnecessary censorship. Former CBS exec Derek Reisfield spoke to The New York Post regarding the issue. “It looks like CBS’ Legal Department was following its standard procedures,” he said. He explained that it was just a routine activity to prevent users from uploading bootleg versions of their content online without authorization.
Reisfield, however, raised another pertinent question: Why did Colbert collaborate with CBS on “Only in Monroe” in the first place? Reisfield asked, “The real question in my mind is why Stephen Colbert didn’t just do it on his own and have a clean break with CBS?”
Interestingly, Colbert began his hosting career with “Only in Monroe” before taking over “The Late Show” mantle in 2015.
A CBS spokesperson previously told Variety, “Stephen Colbert’s return to Monroe in the ‘Only in Monroe’ episode was financed and produced by CBS Studios and was posted on Colbert’s YouTube channel in collaboration with Monroe Community Media and ‘The Late Show’s’ YouTube channels.”
Furthermore, the statement said, “As is our regular practice, we send copyright notices to unauthorized websites that post copyrighted content from CBS and our network/studio talent such as Colbert. However, for this episode, we have decided to waive further enforcement of this standard industry practice until additional review.”
Notably, Colbert ended his glorious 11-season run with CBS on May 21 with a spectacular season finale episode.
Originally reported by Anwaya Mane on Mandatory.
