The Federal Communications Commission is expected to take a hard look at CBS under the incoming Trump administration, with President-elect Donald Trump’s team reportedly planning to ensure media outlets adhere to neutrality standards.
A controversial “60 Minutes” interview with Vice President Kamala Harris has drawn particular attention. Trump and his allies allege the network selectively edited the interview to benefit Harris during the 2024 election. According to journalist Charles Gasparino, CBS may be required to release the unedited transcript as part of efforts to ensure fairness.
CBS Hit With FCC Complaint Charging "Significant And Intentional News Distortion" Over Edited Kamala Interview https://t.co/n9o59yLiZZ
— zerohedge (@zerohedge) October 18, 2024
The issue extends beyond the Harris interview. Paramount Global, CBS’s parent company, is currently pursuing an $8 billion merger with Skydance Media. Brendan Carr, Trump’s FCC chair nominee, is reportedly prepared to condition the merger’s approval on CBS maintaining its neutrality as required by its broadcast license.
Late-night programming may also be scrutinized. Shows like “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” have been accused of promoting partisan narratives under the guise of comedy. “You can’t use the public airwaves to be an extension of the DNC,” a source close to the situation told Gasparino.
CBS’s role as a debate host during the election has also been criticized. Vice President-elect J.D. Vance accused moderators of showing bias during a debate against Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, further stoking concerns about the network’s impartiality.
As Trump prepares to take office, his administration’s focus on media accountability suggests potential changes in how broadcasters operate, particularly those accused of political bias.
