CBS has announced its intention to provide the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) with an unedited transcript from its interview with Kamala Harris that aired in October. This decision comes amid ongoing legal disputes with President Donald Trump, who has contested the network’s portrayal of his opponent during the interview.
Trump has initiated a $10 billion lawsuit against CBS, asserting that the “60 Minutes” segment was edited in a manner designed to favor Harris. Reports suggest that Paramount, the parent company of CBS, is currently in negotiations with Trump’s legal team regarding a possible settlement.
On Friday, CBS stated that it had been obliged by FCC chairman Brendan Carr, appointed by Trump, to release the transcripts and camera footage related to the interview, which is under investigation by the commission. “60 Minutes” has historically resisted making transcripts available for its interviews, arguing that such disclosures could lead to misinterpretations of their editing methods.
This particular case, and its potential for settlement, has attracted keen interest from press freedom advocates and journalists within CBS. Network lawyers have labeled Trump’s lawsuit as “completely without merit” and pledged to contest it vigorously following its filing.
The interview with Harris gained notable attention due to the fact that CBS News featured her giving markedly different answers to a question from correspondent Bill Whitaker, first aired on “Face the Nation” and subsequently on “60 Minutes.” CBS clarified that each of the clips came from a more extensive response by Harris, but were edited to meet time limitations for both shows.
In the legal suit, filed in Texas on November 1, Trump alleged that the editing was misleading and designed to support Harris, claiming it constituted “partisan and unlawful acts of voter interference.” Despite declining to appear for an interview on “60 Minutes” during his campaign, Trump has persistently pushed back against CBS after his election victory, which occurred less than a week after the lawsuit was lodged.
CBS has not publicly addressed reports regarding ongoing discussions about a potential settlement, which have been noted by major media outlets. Meanwhile, executives at Paramount are seeking approval from the Trump administration for a sale of the company to another entertainment entity, Skydance.
In related news, ABC News agreed in December to settle a defamation lawsuit brought by Trump connected to remarks made by anchor George Stephanopoulos, choosing to pay $15 million toward Trump’s presidential library rather than pursue a protracted legal battle. Additionally, Meta has allegedly disbursed $25 million to resolve Trump’s lawsuit concerning the suspension of his social media accounts following the events of January 6, 2021, at the U.S. Capitol.
