CBS News has released the complete transcript and video of its 2024 "60 Minutes" interview with then-Vice President Kamala Harris following an FCC investigation prompted by a complaint and a lawsuit from former President Donald Trump. The released materials reveal that CBS aired different portions of Harris's response to a question about Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in a preview clip on "Face the Nation" and the primetime "60 Minutes" special. The network maintains that the editing was done for time and clarity, a standard journalistic practice, and denies any manipulation or deceit.
The controversy centers around Harris's response to correspondent Bill Whitaker's question about Netanyahu's perceived unresponsiveness to the Biden administration. The "Face the Nation" clip featured the first part of her answer, while the "60 Minutes" special aired the second part, omitting the portion aired on "Face the Nation" entirely.
CBS News defended its editing practices, stating that decisions are made based on truth and what best informs the public within the limitations of broadcast television. While acknowledging the different excerpts used, the network insisted the editing fairly represented Harris's answers and emphasized the tough questions posed by "60 Minutes."
The FCC, under then-Chairman Brendan Carr, launched an investigation into potential "news distortion" after receiving a complaint. Carr stated that altering interview responses to misrepresent someone's statements is a violation of FCC policy. The release of the transcript coincides with reports that Paramount Global, CBS's parent company, is considering settling a $10 billion lawsuit filed by Trump, who alleges election interference due to the interview's editing just days before the 2024 election. Trump's lawsuit claims that CBS intentionally manipulated the interview to damage his campaign and favor Harris and the Democratic Party. Paramount is reportedly considering a settlement to avoid potential complications with a planned merger with Skydance Media, given the FCC's power to influence such transactions.
The controversy surrounding the Harris interview highlights the ongoing debate about journalistic ethics, editing practices, and the potential influence of political agendas in media coverage, particularly during election cycles.
