Lesley Stahl Awaits Settlement in Trump Lawsuit
Longtime 60 Minutes correspondent Lesley Stahl anticipates a settlement regarding Donald Trump’s contentious $20 billion lawsuit, which she has labeled “frivolous.” However, she expresses concern over the implications that may unfold after the case is resolved.
Reflecting on Future Changes
In a recent podcast conversation with the editor of New Yorker, Stahl remarked, “I’m already beginning to think about mourning, grieving.” She firmly believes a settlement is inevitable and foresees some monetary exchange, particularly as Shari Redstone, who oversees CBS’s parent company Paramount Global, faces scrutiny due to a forthcoming merger with Skydance requiring government approval. Reports indicate that Paramount has already extended an eight-figure settlement offer, which has been declined by Trump.
What Lies Ahead After Settlement
Stahl speculated on the prospects following the settlement, expressing hope that once the situation stabilizes, they could turn a new page and uncover what the future holds.
The Basis of Trump’s Lawsuit
Trump’s lawsuit stems from a pre-election episode of 60 Minutes that aired after his re-election against Kamala Harris last November. He alleges that CBS News wronged him by distributing varying edits of an interview with Harris across different CBS outlets during promotions—an approach deemed standard practice within television journalism. Legal experts largely dismiss Trump’s claim as baseless, yet several media organizations have capitulated to him under pressure, opting for settlements with corporate backing.
Uncertainty Surrounding 60 Minutes
Stahl’s remarks occur amid growing uncertainty regarding the trajectory of 60 Minutes. The departure of longtime executive producer Bill Owens in April was a direct result of pressures from Redstone and other executives worried about the show’s coverage of Trump. Recently, CBS News chief Wendy McMahon also departed, exacerbating concerns about the show’s future.
The Impact of Leadership Changes
Describing Owens’ exit as “a punch in the stomach”, Stahl noted the emotional weight of such changes. Owens encouraged staff to persist in delivering assertive coverage despite what he termed as Trump’s attempts to silence them. Amid internal discussions regarding a potential mass resignation, Owens rallied the team to continue asserting their journalistic standards.
Concerns Over Future Control
When asked about the potential for radical changes to 60 Minutes under the influence of Skydance, Stahl conveyed her hope for the new leadership. She expressed a desire that Skydance CEO David Ellison and his team would uphold the importance of press freedom, allowing the team to perform their roles independently. “I’m expecting that, I’m hoping that, I want that, I’m praying for that,” she remarked.
Mixed Optimism Among Staff
When queried by Remnick about the sentiment at 60 Minutes regarding future changes, Stahl indicated there was little optimism but avoided outright despair. “No. But there’s also not a lot of dark thinking, either,” she shared, encapsulating the cautiously hopeful atmosphere among her colleagues.
The Deteriorating Trust in Media
Throughout the discussion, Stahl lamented the troubling decline in public trust toward the media, a situation exacerbated by Trump’s strategic maneuvers. Stahl recounted a moment when Trump explained that his aggressive stance towards journalists was designed to undermine credibility; his rationale sent shivers down her spine. It made her realize this approach was not impulsive but a calculated strategy to manipulate public perception.
Personal Reflections on Journalism
With more than five decades in journalism, Stahl described a “pain in my heart” concerning the state of the profession since she began her career covering the Watergate scandal. She feels that the general public fails to recognize the vital role a robust and independent press plays in democracy, and as a result, they do not fully understand the responsibilities that journalists fulfill within society.
A Call for Understanding and Support
Stahl emphasized that the public does not seem to value the contributions of a strong, free press as integral to public life. Her sentiments reflect a broader concern that without a well-informed citizenry recognizing the importance of journalism, the very fabric of democracy is at risk.
Conclusion
In this complex landscape, Lesley Stahl stands as a figurehead, grappling with the implications of shifting tides in media and the ever-increasing challenges faced by journalists. As she anticipates the outcomes of the Trump lawsuit and explores the future of 60 Minutes, her reflections resonate with an urgency to protect and uphold the principles of journalism in the face of adversity.
