The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is investigating CBS News for potential election interference following allegations that the network heavily edited an interview with Vice President Kamala Harris to improve her responses, according to documents released Wednesday.
The controversy centers around Harris' October 2024 appearance on 60 Minutes, where she answered questions on Israel's war in Gaza. CBS aired a shortened, more concise version of Harris' responses, cutting down a 179-word reply about Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's actions to just 20 words. The edits were flagged in a complaint to the FCC, which is now reviewing whether they violated "news distortion" regulations.
FCC Chair Brendan Carr, appointed by former President Donald Trump, ordered CBS to turn over unedited transcripts and video. "The people will have a chance to weigh in," Carr wrote on X, stating that the agency will hold hearings in March.
CBS Edits Under Fire
Harris' full response, released by CBS on Wednesday, showed significantly longer and less structured remarks compared to the broadcast version. In response to a question about U.S. diplomatic efforts with Israel, Harris originally gave a 179-word reply, saying, "Well, let's start with this. On this subject, the aid that we have given Israel allowed Israel to defend itself against 200 ballistic missiles..." before continuing to outline the Biden administration's positions on humanitarian aid, ceasefires, and hostage releases.
However, the 60 Minutes segment condensed her answer to: "The work that we do diplomatically with the leadership of Israel is an ongoing pursuit around making clear our principles."
An unnamed CBS source told The New York Post that the network's edits made Harris "seem more succinct." "You have to watch the video. A lot of 'word salad,'" the source said. "Feels like a clean-up on Aisle 7."
The controversy intensified when the FCC revealed that CBS aired different versions of Harris' answers in separate broadcasts. A longer version was featured in a preview on Face the Nation, while the heavily edited response appeared in 60 Minutes' primetime special.
Trump Lawsuit and Election Interference Claims
Trump has seized on the controversy, filing a $10 billion lawsuit against CBS News in October, accusing the network of election interference. The lawsuit argues that CBS' edits were designed to "tip the scales in favor of the Democratic Party" ahead of the 2024 election.
"To paper over Kamala's 'word salad' weakness, CBS used its national platform on 60 Minutes to cross the line from the exercise of judgment in reporting to deceitful, deceptive manipulation of news," the lawsuit states.
The FCC's findings could impact Paramount Global's pending $8 billion merger with Skydance Media. Regulatory approval for the deal was expected next month, but the timeline may be delayed due to the FCC's March hearings.
CBS has denied any wrongdoing, defending the edits as standard practice. "In reporting the news, journalists regularly edit interviews-for time, space or clarity," CBS said in a statement. "The transcripts show-consistent with 60 Minutes' repeated assurances to the public-that the broadcast was not doctored or deceitful."
FCC and Legal Implications
The FCC, an independent federal agency, does not have direct authority over network newsrooms but can regulate broadcast stations that air nationally syndicated programs. If the agency finds that CBS engaged in "intentional news distortion," it could impose fines or take regulatory action against affiliated local stations.
Carr has indicated that the investigation will be thorough, emphasizing that "the policy says you can't swap answers out to make it look like somebody said something entirely different." However, he acknowledged that edits for length and clarity are permissible.
The hearings are set for March 7, with public comments accepted until March 24. The legal battle between Trump and CBS remains in the early stages, with both sides reportedly engaged in preliminary settlement talks.
As scrutiny over media coverage of the 2024 election intensifies, CBS faces mounting pressure from both government regulators and industry executives. Media heiress Shari Redstone, who controls Paramount Global, could see her $1.75 billion payout from the Skydance merger affected if the FCC's findings jeopardize the deal.
