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Culture & Industry3h 28m ago

CBS reached a licensing agreement with Lee Mendelson Film Productions for Stephen Colbert's unauthorized use of the song 'Linus and Lucy' on 'The Late Show'.

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California

Who
Stephen Colbert, CBS, Lee Mendelson Film Productions, Jason Mendelson, Louis Cato and the Great Big Joy Machine, Vince Guaraldi, World Central Kitchen, José Andrés
What
CBS reached a licensing agreement with Lee Mendelson Film Productions for Stephen Colbert's unauthorized use of the song 'Linus and Lucy' on 'The Late Show'.
When
Tue, 16 Jun 2026 23:52:00 GMT · 3h 28m ago
Where
California ·
Why
Colbert played 'Linus and Lucy' on air as a final dig at CBS, which then led to a licensing agreement due to increasing litigation regarding unauthorized music use.
The Frontline Impact

How this affects you

The settlement costs CBS an undisclosed amount, but the proceeds will be donated to World Central Kitchen, highlighting the importance of proper music licensing even in comedic contexts and supporting a disaster-relief nonprofit.

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