Paramount co-CEO George Cheeks says the company will have “substantive conversations” about perceived bias and “inconsistent treatment” after interview with CBS Morning’s Ta-Nehisi Coates said it was necessary.
In an interview about Coates’ new book, The Message, which argues that Israel’s treatment of Palestinians is immoral, host Tony Dokoupil drew criticism from some for his pointed questions about Coates’ views. . Cheeks wrote in a statement that an editorial meeting should be convened to discuss standards of fairness and objectivity set within the news department.
But he added that moderators should still be allowed to ask tough questions.
“Our hosts and correspondents will continue to ask the toughest questions on the most important and complex issues,” Cheeks wrote.
In an interview last week, Mr. Dokoupil asked Mr. Coates pointed questions, such as, “Why do you ignore that Israel is surrounded by countries that want to eliminate it?” And then you say, “I have to say, when I read this book, if I took your name out of this book and I took away your awards and accolades…what’s in that section would be like an extremist’s backpack.” You won’t feel any discomfort even if you put it inside.” ”
Although the conversation between the two was primarily civil, CBS News executives Wendy McMahon and Adrian Roark told staff that Dokoupil’s tone during the questioning made the interview subject to the station’s editorial standards. said that it does not meet the requirements. THR previously reported that the disciplinary action was also related to Dokoupil’s script rewriting and disregard for CBS’ editorial standards regarding fairness. The interview was so provocative that it sparked controversy both within the newsroom and among the wider public.
Paramount Global Chairman Shari Redstone said during an Ad Week panel discussion Wednesday that she disagrees with the idea that the interview did not meet editorial standards.
“Frankly, I think Tony did a great job in that interview,” Redstone said. “I was very proud of his work. Yes, it was hard for me to go against this company, but I think they made a mistake here.”
The full statement from Cheeks is below.
Strong discord was growing within CBS News and needed to be addressed in editorial meetings. This needs to lead to further substantive dialogue about inconsistent treatment, implicit bias, and recognition of the important standards news departments have in place to establish guardrails for fairness and objectivity. There is.
To be clear, this is in no way about CBS News’ right to ask tough questions. That is and always will be the standard. Our hosts and correspondents continue to ask the toughest questions about the most important and complex issues. I am extremely proud of CBS News and their commitment to seizing the moment, even in the most difficult of times.
Wendy is a great, great leader. She and her leadership team are passionate advocates and stewards of CBS News standards. That doesn’t change. The rational minds in newsrooms conduct appropriate internal pressure tests and discussions to ensure balanced and objective reporting externally.
At a time when the need for accurate, unbiased news presented in the right context is more important than ever, I urge all of us, myself included, to move forward from this moment, reflect, perfect our processes and We are committed to doubling down on serving our viewers.