CBS Challenges FCC Investigation Over Edited Kamala Harris Interview

The network argues that the inquiry undermines First Amendment protections and sets a dangerous precedent for government interference in editorial decisions.

CBS has called on the FCC to dismiss a complaint alleging 'news distortion' in a '60 Minutes' interview with Kamala Harris, describing the claims as unconstitutional and an attack on press freedom.
The complaint, filed by the Center for American Rights, accuses CBS of editing Harris’ response to a question about the Biden administration’s handling of the Israel-Hamas war to make it more coherent, which the group claims misled viewers.
The FCC, under Chairman Brendan Carr, revived the investigation after it was previously dismissed by the agency’s former Democratic leadership, raising concerns among First Amendment experts about potential government overreach.
CBS argues that the editing of interviews is a standard journalistic practice and that the unedited transcript, which it provided to the FCC, supports its account of the interview’s context and intent.
The controversy has broader implications, as CBS faces a $20 billion lawsuit from President Trump over the interview and ongoing settlement talks, while Paramount Global seeks FCC approval for its sale to Skydance Media.