CBS News Editor Defends Delay in ’60 Minutes’ Segment Amid Calls for Stricter Standards
In a move that has sparked internal debate, CBS News Editor-in-Chief Bari Weiss defended her decision to postpone a scheduled “60 Minutes” segment, stating it was necessary to uphold higher standards of fairness and completeness amid declining public trust in media.
The announcement came via an email sent Wednesday and cosigned by CBS News President Tom Cibrowski and two senior editors. In the message, Weiss emphasized that widespread skepticism toward the press requires heightened editorial diligence—even when such measures lead to internal disagreements.
“Right now, the majority of Americans say they do not trust the press,” Weiss wrote. “To win back their trust, we have to work hard.”
She outlined that this effort could include additional reporting, pursuing overlooked details, or ensuring stories meet network standards before broadcast.
The decision followed criticism after Weiss canceled a “60 Minutes” report focused on the Trump administration’s deportation of Venezuelan migrants to an El Salvador prison known as the Terrorism Confinement Center (CECOT). The segment had been promoted for a Sunday airtime.
Correspondent Sharyn Alfonsi later informed colleagues that the story had been “spiked,” a term indicating potential administrative pressure from the Trump administration could hinder unfavorable coverage by preventing interviews.
In an internal meeting, Weiss explained she delayed the segment because it was not yet ready and stressed the network should prioritize securing participation from key figures on camera.
CBS News confirmed the segment will air at a later date.
The decision has drawn scrutiny following Weiss’ appointment to CBS News in October after Paramount Skydance acquired her previous media outlet, The Free Press. Shortly after, Paramount Skydance secured federal approval for a merger with commitments including appointing an ombudsman linked to the Republican Party and discontinuing diversity initiatives.
U.S. Senator Ed Markey of Massachusetts accused CBS News of political interference, while White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller criticized “60 Minutes” staff members but defended Weiss’ authority.
Tanya Simon, executive producer of “60 Minutes,” stated that the segment had passed internal review but was revised late in the process at Weiss’ direction.
In her email, Weiss rejected allegations that CBS News is catering to political pressure.
“We are not out to score points with one side of the political spectrum,” she wrote. “We are out to inform the American public and to get the story right.”
