CBS may face new challenges as the Federal Communications Commission transitions under President-elect Donald Trump’s administration. Reports suggest that Trump’s team is planning to hold the network accountable for alleged liberal bias, particularly regarding its coverage during the 2024 election.
Journalist Charles Gasparino reported that CBS could be compelled to release the full transcript of a controversial “60 Minutes” interview with Vice President Kamala Harris. Critics have accused the network of editing the interview to favor Harris, framing it as part of a broader effort to influence the election.
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 scrutiny comes as CBS’s parent company, Paramount Global, seeks regulatory approval for its $8 billion merger with Skydance Media. Brendan Carr, Trump’s pick for FCC chair, is expected to use the network’s broadcast license as leverage to enforce standards of neutrality.
“This is about ensuring CBS meets its obligations as a neutral news organization,” a source told Gasparino. The network’s late-night programming, including “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert,” may also come under review. Critics claim the show operates as a partisan platform rather than entertainment.
CBS’s performance as a debate host during the election has also been called into question. Vice President-elect J.D. Vance criticized debate moderators for engaging in biased questioning during a debate with Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, further fueling allegations of political favoritism.
While neither Brendan Carr nor representatives for Skydance Media commented, the Trump administration’s efforts to hold CBS accountable signal potential changes in how media outlets are regulated under FCC guidelines.
