Dan Rather on Paramount’s Trump Suit Settlement: ‘It Was a Sell-Out’

Legendary former CBS News anchor Dan Rather expressed disappointment on Wednesday at Paramount Global’s decision to settle its lawsuit with the Trump administration over a “60 Minutes” report for $16 million. Rather described it as a sad day for journalism, ’60 Minutes’, and CBS News, criticizing 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 viewed as frivolous and unlikely to hold up under the First Amendment. Rather was adamant that Paramount didn’t have to settle, as the journalistic practices followed by ’60 Minutes’ were sound and the case was not legally defensible.

Despite his disappointment, Rather expressed unwavering support for his former colleagues at CBS News and ’60 Minutes’, commending them for fighting against the lawsuit. However, he acknowledged that Paramount Global’s decision to settle was likely influenced by the need to secure approval from the Trump-controlled FCC for Skydance’s $8 billion acquisition of the media conglomerate.

Rather criticized the decision as a capitulation to extortion by the President, highlighting the broader implications for press freedom and democracy in the United States. He warned of a dangerous precedent where powerful entities could manipulate news organizations into submission, undermining their ability to hold the powerful accountable.

Reflecting on his extensive career in journalism, Rather emphasized the importance of courage and resilience in the face of challenges. He expressed confidence in the dedication of CBS News and ’60 Minutes’ staff to continue their commitment to quality reporting, despite the obstacles they face.

In conclusion, Rather called for vigilance in protecting the integrity of journalism and upholding the principles of a free press. He urged news organizations to resist pressure from external forces and remain steadfast in their pursuit of truth and accountability. The challenges facing journalism today require unwavering determination and a commitment to upholding the values of a free and independent press.