President-elect Donald Trump’s administration is preparing to implement changes at the Federal Communications Commission, with plans to address perceived media bias at CBS. Allegations of election-related misconduct have placed the network under scrutiny.
A “60 Minutes” interview with Vice President Kamala Harris has drawn significant criticism. Trump allies claim CBS selectively edited the interview to favor Harris during the 2024 election. Journalist Charles Gasparino reported that CBS might be required to release the full transcript to address these claims.
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 timing is notable as Paramount Global, CBS’s parent company, pursues an $8 billion merger with Skydance Media. Brendan Carr, Trump’s FCC chair nominee, is reportedly considering making neutrality standards a condition for the merger’s approval.
Late-night programming, including “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert,” has also come under fire. Critics argue the show serves as a partisan platform, with a source noting, “Public airwaves shouldn’t be used for political messaging.”
CBS’s performance as a debate host during the election has also been questioned. Vice President-elect J.D. Vance accused moderators of taking a biased approach during a debate against Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz.
As Trump’s administration takes shape, efforts to enforce fairness in media are likely to create tension between the government and networks accused of political bias.
