'60 Minutes' is set to air a previously shelved segment about the Trump administration's deportations that was abruptly removed from a December broadcast. This decision raised questions about political influence within CBS News, following the appointment of new editor-in-chief Bari Weiss.
Correspondent Sharyn Alfonsi investigated deportees sent to the notorious CECOT prison in El Salvador, expressing concerns that the story's removal was driven by political motives rather than editorial ones. Specifically, Weiss contended that the segment lacked sufficient representation of the Trump administration's perspective.
Despite the initial removal, CBS stated its commitment to air the CECOT piece alongside other critical stories, emphasizing the importance of independent journalism. Critics, however, argue that Weiss's leadership represents an attempt to align with Trump administration sentiments, as evidenced by increased visibility of administration officials on CBS News.
Alfonsi maintained that officials from the Trump administration had tactically avoided on-camera interviews to undermine the story, complicating the reporting process. Following the initial cut, an earlier version of her story was inadvertently published online, allowing viewers to compare CBS’s handling of the sensitive topic.
The re-integration of the CECOT segment comes amid accusations of media bias and the increasing caution networks exercise in presenting controversial material, particularly surrounding immigration and the Trump administration. The decision to air the segment unfolds against a backdrop of heightened scrutiny over how news is presented and the influence of political pressures in broadcasting.
