Legendary former CBS News anchor Dan Rather has expressed disappointment at Paramount Global’s decision to settle a lawsuit with the Trump administration over a “60 Minutes” report for $16 million. Rather described it as a sad day for journalism and criticized the billionaire corporate owners for bowing down to the President’s distortion.
The lawsuit, which accused “60 Minutes” of deceptively editing an interview with then-presidential candidate Kamala Harris, was widely seen as frivolous by legal scholars and not likely to hold up under the First Amendment. Rather emphasized that Paramount didn’t have to settle, as the show had followed accepted journalistic practices and lawyers believed the case wouldn’t stand up in court.
Despite his disappointment, Rather expressed full support for his former colleagues at CBS News and “60 Minutes,” praising their efforts to fight back against the lawsuit. He acknowledged that Paramount Global’s decision to settle was likely motivated by business concerns, particularly in relation to the FCC approval needed for Skydance’s acquisition.
Reflecting on the larger implications of the settlement, Rather raised concerns about the impact on the press freedom and democracy in the United States. He warned against news organizations capitulating to pressure from powerful figures, as it could undermine their ability to hold the powerful accountable.
In his decades-long career as a journalist, Rather has never seen the profession face such challenges. He urged his colleagues at CBS News and “60 Minutes” to continue their important work, despite the obstacles they face. He emphasized the importance of standing firm in the face of adversity and continuing to strive for excellence in reporting.
Ultimately, Rather’s message is clear: journalism must remain steadfast in its commitment to truth and accountability, even in the face of intimidation and pressure. The settlement may be a setback, but the fight for press freedom and democracy continues.
