The union representing live musicians at The Late Show With Stephen Colbert is speaking out against the cancellation of the show.

In a statement Friday, Robert Suttmann, president of Local 802 American Federation of Musicians, called the shows surprise cancellation, which Colbert announced July 17, deeply concerning both because of the loss of jobs for the musicians in the shows band, as well as for the broader implications on free speech.

Live music has been an integral part of late night shows for decades serving as a vital platform for musicians to reach audiences, showcase their artistry, and participate in cultural dialogue. Colberts cancellation threatens not only the livelihoods of the world-class musicians who perform on the show, it also undermines the fundamental principles of free speech and creative expression that are cornerstone values of our industry and our nation, Suttman said. CBS has said the cancellation was purely a financial decision made in a declining linear TV landscape; however, Colbert had recently criticized Paramount, CBSs parent company, and its settlement of the suit filed by President Donald Trump over a 60 Minutes interview with Kamala Harris.

Suttman also urged other broadcasters to stand up against President Trump, who had posted on social media saying that late night hosts Jimmy Kimmel and Jimmy Fallon would also soon be fired.He added that his union would stand behind its impacted members.

We need to be very honest about whats happening here: The president of the United States himself has said he hopes he played a role in the decision, and has warned NBC and ABC that their late night hosts are next, he said. This is why it is vital for NBC and ABC to state, loudly and clearly, that they will not allow themselves to be similarly intimidated. Now, more urgently than ever, is a time for courage, not cowardice.

CBS decision is about much more than just a late night talk show. When an administration tries to silence criticism and dissent by asserting its power, we all need to take notice, Suttman continued. When censorship is used as a tool to quash free speech, we must stand up together.Whats happening now is not only wrong, it goes against what we must stand for as a nation.