Behind the Scenes: CBS News Shake-Up Sparks Debate

Controversy Erupts Under New Editor-in-Chief Bari Weiss

Recently, CBS News found itself in hot water after a major decision by new editor-in-chief Bari Weiss. The controversy started when Weiss chose to pull a story from "60 Minutes" just hours before it was set to air.

The Story in Question: "INSIDE CECOT"

The story, titled "INSIDE CECOT," was about Venezuelan men deported by the Trump administration to a notorious prison in El Salvador. The piece had already gone through multiple screenings and was cleared by CBS attorneys and Standards and Practices.

Corporate Censorship Allegations

Sharyn Alfonsi, the correspondent who worked on the story, said in an internal memo that the decision to pull the story was a form of corporate censorship.

Weiss, however, defended her decision, stating that the story was "not ready." She also said that she looked forward to airing the story when it was ready.

Debate Over Corporate Interference in Journalism

The controversy has sparked a debate about the role of corporate interference in journalism.

The story had already been promoted on social media and was set to air on Sunday. However, Weiss messaged the executive producer, Tanya Simon, with additional concerns about the story on Saturday morning. One of the main issues was the lack of a response from the Trump administration to the reporting.

Lack of Transparency and Communication

Alfonsi and her producer, Oriana Zill de Granados, asked for a call to discuss Weiss's decision, but Weiss did not afford them that courtesy. The change in plans was not finalized until Sunday, hours before airtime.

Impact on CBS Staff and Journalistic Independence

The controversy has raised questions about the independence of journalism and the role of corporate interference. Some CBS staffers have even threatened to quit over the decision. The controversy has also sparked comparisons to the time Mike Wallace's interview with a tobacco industry whistleblower was shelved by corporate.