Inside CBS News, Staffers Voice Disgust, Anger, Relief and Anxiety After Trump Settlement

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The late-night truce between Paramount Global and former U.S. President Donald Trump was met with a feeling of “revulsion and relief” among CBS News staff members.

A sense of disbelief, since within CBS News and particularly at 60 Minutes, the lawsuit (originally concerning the editing of an interview they had with former Vice President Kamala Harris) was widely viewed as groundless. There’s also a feeling of relief because it seems that the drawn-out legal drama surrounding this case might finally be coming to an end (although there are still some significant details left unresolved).

It seems that there’s a sense of broad relief among CBS or the program that they won’t have to issue an apology for something they deem unnecessary. As George Cheeks, co-CEO of Paramount, stated at their shareholder meeting: “Yes, we’ve agreed in principle to settle the lawsuit, and I should clarify, this settlement does not include an apology.

As a devoted follower, I’d like to share that during our team meeting yesterday, CBS News head Tom Cibrowski made it clear that no apologies were offered in connection with an editorial discussion. He gratefully acknowledged our ability to disregard the commotion and focus on performing our duties effectively.

If there had been rumors of an uprising at 60 Minutes, some believed that a compulsory apology might have been the final straw. However, the decision to publish complete transcripts of future interviews with presidential candidates is seen as far less concerning compared to any suggestion that the show erred in its handling of the Harris interview.

Despite the settlement, it poses a challenge to journalists’ capacity to perform their duties in reporting about influential public figures, according to the Writers Guild of America East. The WGAE is an organization that represents numerous staff members from the TV show 60 Minutes.

OR:

The settlement could potentially hinder journalists’ ability to report on powerful public figures, as stated by the Writers Guild of America East. This union includes many staff members from the TV program 60 Minutes.

So why settle?

As a follower, I’d say it like this: “Companies often choose to settle disputes because the cost of legal defense can be steep and unpredictable. Plus, an unfavorable verdict could lead to substantial financial and reputational losses. Protracted court battles also disrupt business operations. A settlement provides a mutually agreed-upon resolution that enables companies to refocus their efforts on their main goals, rather than being bogged down by uncertainty and distractions.

Nevertheless, several queries persist, notably two significant ones: The succession plan for 60 Minutes, and apprehensions regarding the future state of CBS News.

Who is set to take over the role previously held by Bill Owens, the esteemed former executive producer of the show, who stepped down in April due to corporate executives wanting to exert more authority over the newsmagazine? This program has been known for its independence from CBS News for a considerable period.

Following Owens’ resignation, all of the 60 Minutes reporters penned a letter to CBS head George Cheeks, suggesting Tanya Simon – a seasoned producer on the show and daughter of the late correspondent Bob Simon – be officially appointed as Executive Producer. Although CBS has yet to appoint a permanent successor, the staff are hopeful that with the lawsuit settled, Simon will be chosen for the role. If not, they wish to understand the reasoning behind the decision.

Wendy McMahon, previously in charge at CBS News and Stations, has stepped down as well. In her farewell message to the team, she stated that “it’s apparent that the company and I are not aligned on our future direction.” According to reports, both McMahon and her predecessor, Owens, resisted a settlement agreement, but were equally reluctant to offer an apology.

Wendy McMahon, who was in charge of CBS News and Stations, has resigned because she disagrees with the company’s future plans. It is said that both McMahon and her predecessor did not want a settlement or an apology.]

Staff are subtly apprehensive about what modifications new ownership might instigate for the program or CBS News as a whole. Pictures of Skydance CEO David Ellison, who is taking over at Paramount, sitting close to Trump at a recent UFC event in New Jersey have been circulating in the CBS Broadcast Center on West 57th and at the offices of 60 Minutes located nearby.

Lesley Stahl of ’60 Minutes’ shared, “I’m starting to contemplate sorrow and sadness, but I’m holding onto hope. I am certain there will be a resolution, a settlement. I am aware money will change hands. That much I know. And then, hopefully, we can continue, turning over a new leaf, discovering what this fresh chapter holds.

Last month, Trump expressed his views on the upcoming Skydance takeover to reporters, saying, “Ellison is excellent; I believe he will handle it well.

Ellison and the incoming president of Paramount, Jeff Shell, have referred to CBS as a highly valuable asset, but Shell has also emphasized that it needs to be managed more cost-effectively. Notably, broadcast news divisions have traditionally served as “loss leaders,” which means they are recognized for their credibility rather than profitability.

On a Wednesday morning, another seasoned media figure playfully suggested that when Donald Trump’s presidential library eventually opens, it might include a wing dedicated to the famous TV show “60 Minutes“.

Beyond resolving disputes with Paramount, Trump has also settled lawsuits with The Walt Disney Company (regarding statements made by ABC News anchor George Stephanopoulos), tech titan Meta (following suspensions on Instagram and Facebook after January 6th), and X, a platform owned by Elon Musk (over a suspension issue).

or

Trump has not only resolved issues with Paramount, but also reached settlements with The Walt Disney Company (concerning George Stephanopoulos’ statements on ABC News), Meta Platform Inc. (regarding account suspensions on Instagram and Facebook after January 6th), and Elon Musk’s platform X (in relation to a suspension matter).

or

Trump has not only settled disputes with Paramount, but also resolved cases with The Walt Disney Company (over George Stephanopoulos’ comments on ABC News), Meta (concerning account suspensions on Instagram and Facebook post-January 6th), and Elon Musk’s platform X (related to a suspension issue).

Among the four businesses, Trump managed to secure roughly $60 million (following legal expenses), set aside for the museum.

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2025-07-02 18:24