Paramount’s CBS canceled “The Late Show” starring Stephen Colbert because of Donald Trump’s lawsuit similar to the ones he filed against Disney+, ABC and the Wall Street Journal. His singular aim is to silence the news outlets and “…not let the legacy outfits dictate the narrative and terms of the debate” (as FCC Chairman Brandon Carr stated on Fox News).

During this administration, millions of Americans have taken to the streets weekly to protest the corruption, racism and corporate greed that is tearing apart the fabric of our national soul. We have participated in several demonstrations and seen firsthand that it is not only the number of people who actively participate in the protests, but also the many who drive by lending their support. We have witnessed untold numbers of fingers forming a “V,” raised thumbs and horns honking loudly signaling: “We are with you,” “Thank you for giving us a voice” and “We are sick and tired of what our country is becoming!”

By a large margin, “The Late Show” with Stephen Colbert has been the frontrunner of late-night viewers, including the 18-49 demographic. We recognize that television programming has a responsibility to its shareholders in terms of profit, but Paramount/CBS has done extremely well with “The Late Show.” When is enough, enough? You have an obligation to provide content that is meaningful, ethical and uplifting; Stephen Colbert and his writers have done just that. For that alone, we are very proud to count ourselves as die-hard fans.

Carleton Ayers II
South Burlington, Vt.