The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has made public the complete transcript and video of CBS News’ “60 Minutes” interview with former Vice President Kamala Harris, conducted in October 2024. This action follows allegations of deceptive editing by CBS, leading to an FCC investigation and a $10 billion lawsuit filed by former President Donald Trump against the network.
In the interview, Harris was questioned about Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s actions during the Israel-Gaza conflict. The unedited transcript reveals that Harris’s original 179-word response was significantly condensed to just 20 words in the broadcast version. Critics argue that such editing altered the context and clarity of her statements.
CBS News has defended its editing practices, stating that adjustments were made for time constraints and clarity, which are standard in journalism. The network emphasized that the broadcast was neither doctored nor deceitful. However, a CBS source acknowledged that the edits made Harris appear more succinct.
The FCC’s investigation centers on whether CBS violated “news distortion” policies, which prohibit intentional alteration of news content. FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, appointed by Trump, has initiated public hearings to address the complaint. Democratic Commissioner Anna Gomez has expressed concerns, suggesting that the investigation may be politically motivated.
This controversy coincides with Paramount Global’s planned $8 billion merger with Skydance Media. The outcome of the FCC’s investigation could influence regulatory approval of the merger. Reports indicate that Paramount is considering settling the lawsuit with Trump to facilitate the merger’s progression.
The release of the unedited interview has intensified discussions about media ethics, journalistic integrity, and the role of regulatory bodies in overseeing broadcast content. As the FCC’s investigation proceeds, the implications for CBS News and its parent company, Paramount Global, remain uncertain.
