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CBS withdraws copyright notices for Colbert public access episode
CBS issued then withdrew copyright takedown notices for footage of a local Michigan public access show hosted by Stephen Colbert. The network later stated it would review the matter before further enforcement.
May 25, 11:02 AM·1m read1 source
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CBS issued copyright takedown notices to websites and social media accounts that posted footage of Stephen Colbert hosting a local public access program in Michigan, then withdrew the notices after public reaction. The episode aired on Monroe Community Media one day after Colbert's final broadcast of The Late Show.
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It included appearances by musician Jack White, actor Steve Buscemi, and a cameo by Eminem.
Initial copyright actions Short clips and full uploads appeared online before Colbert posted the episode on his official YouTube channel. One media outlet reported that its upload received more than 700,000 views before receiving a notice under the Digital Millennium Copyright Act.
A CBS spokesperson later told Variety that the network had decided to waive further enforcement of the notices for this episode while it conducted additional review.
Network statement and context The spokesperson said the episode was financed and produced by CBS Studios and posted on Colbert's YouTube channel in collaboration with Monroe Community Media and The Late Show's YouTube channels. The statement noted that sending copyright notices for unauthorized postings of CBS content is standard industry practice.
Colbert's official YouTube channel subsequently posted the full episode, which has received more than 400,000 views. The final episode of The Late Show drew 6.74 million viewers, the largest weeknight audience during its 11-year run.
