Here’s why CBS was forced to pay fine for Stephen Colbert’s last broadcast on network

• Stephen Colbert's “The Late Show” finale featured his band playing the Peanuts theme song “Linus and Lucy” without prior permission.
• CBS reached an agreement to pay an undisclosed licensing fee to Lee Mendelson Film Productions Inc. (LMFP) for the unauthorized use of the song.
• Colbert had humorously commented during the May 21 finale about the 'Peanuts' catalog owners' strict copyright enforcement, hoping it wouldn't financially impact CBS.
• As part of the settlement, LMFP will donate the entire licensing fee to World Central Kitchen, a non-profit organization.
• LMFP has recently pursued legal action against several entities, including a U.S. government department, for unauthorized use of their copyrighted music, emphasizing the need for proper licensing.

IN FULL

CBS forced to pay for Stephen Colbert’s final prank on The Late Show