"60 Minutes" is scheduled to air a report this Sunday on deportations that occurred during the Trump administration, a segment that was previously pulled from the program's lineup in December, leading to internal disputes over alleged political influence. The story, featuring correspondent Sharyn Alfonsi, includes interviews with deportees who were sent to El Salvador's CECOT prison.
The segment was initially removed from the Dec. 21 broadcast following a decision by Bari Weiss, the new CBS News editor-in-chief. Alfonsi reportedly told colleagues that the decision to pull the story was political rather than editorial. Weiss contended that the report did not adequately represent the Trump administration's perspective or build upon existing reporting.
According to a source familiar with the broadcast, who requested anonymity, the story has since been updated to incorporate statements from the Trump administration, although no new on-camera interviews were conducted. Alfonsi was also expected to provide further details about the two migrants she interviewed regarding their experiences in CECOT prison.
The initial decision to postpone the broadcast sparked internal debate within CBS News, raising questions about the balance between journalistic independence and the need to present multiple viewpoints. The incident highlights the challenges news organizations face in navigating politically sensitive topics while maintaining objectivity.
CBS News leadership has consistently maintained its commitment to journalistic integrity. The updated segment is now slated to air this Sunday, offering viewers a look into the experiences of deportees and the policies that led to their removal. The broadcast will likely reignite discussions about immigration policy and the role of media in covering such issues.
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