CBS News has decided to withdraw a segment from its renowned program “60 Minutes” that focused on the deportation of Venezuelan immigrants to an El Salvador prison. This decision has sparked questions among staff and media observers regarding the potential political motivations behind it.
The segment, titled “Inside CECOT,” was scheduled to air on October 29, 2023. CBS announced via social media around 16:30 ET that the story would be omitted from the evening’s broadcast but would be aired at a later date. This move comes shortly after President Donald Trump publicly criticized the show, claiming it has treated him more harshly since the acquisition of CBS’s parent company, Paramount Skydance, earlier this year.
In an email to colleagues, correspondent Sharyn Alfonsi expressed her concerns, alleging that new CBS editor-in-chief Bari Weiss had “spiked” the story after officials from the Trump administration declined to participate in an interview. Alfonsi highlighted that the report underwent rigorous internal checks, having been screened five times and cleared by the network’s legal team and Standards and Practices.
She stated, “Our story is factually correct. In my view, pulling it now, after every rigorous internal check has been met, is not an editorial decision; it is a political one.” Alfonsi further noted that allowing the administration’s refusal to participate in an interview to influence the decision effectively provides them with a “kill switch” for any coverage they find inconvenient.
In response to inquiries, Weiss defended the decision, stating her commitment to ensuring that all stories published meet high standards. She remarked, “Holding stories that aren’t ready for whatever reason—whether they lack sufficient context or are missing critical voices—happens every day in every newsroom.” Weiss expressed eagerness to air the piece once it is fully prepared.
Representatives from CBS, “60 Minutes,” and the White House did not immediately respond to requests for comments regarding Alfonsi’s statements. However, a source familiar with the situation denied claims that the segment was pulled solely due to the Trump administration’s refusal to comment. This source indicated that further reporting was necessary to finalize the story.
This incident occurs against the backdrop of a significant restructuring at CBS under its new ownership. Paramount Skydance acquired The Free Press, a digital media outlet founded by Weiss, in October 2023. Following the acquisition, Weiss was appointed as editor-in-chief of CBS News, creating a direct reporting line to Paramount Skydance CEO David Ellison, rather than the president of CBS News, Tom Cibrowski.
The controversy surrounding this decision highlights ongoing tensions in media, particularly regarding editorial independence and political pressures. As CBS navigates its new ownership structure, the implications of this incident could resonate beyond just one segment, affecting future reporting and public trust in the network.