NEW YORK (October 2023) — CBS executives are considering a settlement in response to President Donald Trump’s $20 billion lawsuit against the network’s program “60 Minutes.” Despite the legal challenges, the influential newsmagazine has maintained a focus on producing impactful reports that scrutinize the Trump administration since his presidency began.
The most recent report aired last Sunday, where CBS News highlighted the efforts of non-white student musicians whose performance with the U.S. Marine Corps Band was canceled due to Trump’s executive order that halted diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. In collaboration with Equity Arc, CBS ensured these talented musicians performed for an audience outside Washington, D.C. after the original concert’s cancellation.
Correspondent Scott Pelley has extensively covered topics related to the Trump administration, including U.S. policies on Ukraine and tariffs, changes within the Justice Department, and the firing of governmental oversight officials. His reports have sparked fierce debate and controversy, with even Elon Musk referencing the need for punishment related to the program’s narratives.
In the shadow of Trump’s legal actions and an ongoing Federal Communications Commission probe, “60 Minutes” continues to face unprecedented scrutiny. This includes allegations of bias during the editing of Bill Whitaker’s interview with Kamala Harris. CBS has defended its editing choices as standard practice, explaining that the mix of sound bites was not intended to favor Harris.
CBS has filed motions to dismiss Trump’s lawsuit and the FCC investigation. Nonetheless, Paramount Global, CBS’s parent company, is reportedly anxious for a resolution, similar to an agreement reached with Disney involving ABC News. However, this comes amid the backdrop of Paramount’s proposed merger with Skydance Media, awaiting approval from the Trump administration.
There is resistance within CBS News towards settling the lawsuit. Bill Owens, the executive producer of “60 Minutes,” has expressed his reluctance to apologize as part of any settlement, emphasizing the integrity and impact of their reporting.
“60 Minutes” has consistently addressed pressing issues related to the Trump presidency, despite being under legal pressure. The nature of their reportage has shifted somewhat to accommodate more immediate content, reflecting the urgency of current developments.
Pelley’s precise and pointed style of reporting was evident in the March 9 investigation, “Firing the Watchdogs,” where Trump’s dismissals of government watchdogs were critiqued in depth. His examination pointed out the potential conflicts these actions posed with longstanding U.S. governance standards.
The show’s commitment to hard-hitting journalism has not waned, with segments drawing significant viewership and sometimes contentious reactions. Commentators from various political perspectives have critiqued Pelley’s approach, marking him as a polarizing figure in the media landscape.
While viewership for “60 Minutes” has seen a slight decline, the increase in streaming numbers reflects the evolving way audiences engage with media content. The integrity and persistence shown by the “60 Minutes” team in reporting critical issues during such a pivotal moment exemplify their commitment to journalism’s core mission.