Paramount Settlement With Trump Sparks Press Freedom Fears

Jon Stewart and former '60 Minutes' correspondent Steve Kroft criticized Paramount Global's $16 million settlement with Donald Trump, which resolved a lawsuit alleging CBS News manipulated a Kamala Harris interview to favor her election prospects—a claim dismissed as frivolous by First Amendment experts. The settlement is seen as a strategic move by Paramount to clear the path for its pending $8 billion merger with Skydance Media, amid concerns over regulatory approval and Trump allies' influence. Both Stewart and Kroft highlighted widespread concern among CBS journalists about the chilling effect on press freedom and journalistic independence. Despite the payment, Paramount declined Trump's demand for an apology. Paramount agreed to release transcripts of presidential candidate interviews after airing, without admitting wrongdoing. The controversy has intensified debate on corporate influence and media vulnerability to political pressure.