Amidst backlash and calls for transparency, "60 Minutes" correspondent Jon Wertheim insists the show's editing practices are standard and not malicious.
In a heated interview on OutKick's "Don't @ Me with Dan Dakich," "60 Minutes" correspondent and Sports Illustrated executive editor Jon Wertheim defended CBS News' handling of Vice President Kamala Harris' recent interview. The interview has come under scrutiny due to the airing of two different answers Harris gave to the same question, prompting allegations of selective editing and bias.
Dakich confronted Wertheim about the controversy, pointing out the potential implications of altering Harris' responses. Wertheim responded by asserting that editing is an integral part of the journalistic process, especially when condensing lengthy interviews into concise broadcast segments.
CBS News' Editing Controversy: "60 Minutes" Correspondent Defends Network
Wertheim drew a parallel to his own experiences in writing for Sports Illustrated, where online and print versions of articles may differ slightly due to space constraints. He emphasized that editorial choices are made to ensure clarity and brevity in the final product.
"When would you do a story and not edit?" Wertheim asked. "Not make choices and not make, sort of, selective quotes... you sit there in a locker room with your tape recorder and not everything an athlete says is going to make it into the story."
CBS News' Editing Controversy: "60 Minutes" Correspondent Defends Network
However, Dakich pressed Wertheim on the specific case of Harris' interview, questioning whether omitting her longer response was an attempt to portray her more favorably. Wertheim responded by stating that he did not believe there was any intent to deceive or manipulate the viewer's perception.
When asked if CBS should release the full transcript of the interview to quell concerns, Wertheim expressed hesitation. He argued that transcripts can include statements that may not make sense out of context and suggested that the editing process is necessary to maintain the integrity and coherence of the final piece.
CBS News' Editing Controversy: "60 Minutes" Correspondent Defends Network
"I don't know, I think there are things that get said in a transcript with a subject ... it's not going to make sense in context," Wertheim said. "It's kind of not the way the game is played."
Despite Wertheim's defense of CBS News' editing practices, the controversy continues to cast a shadow over the network. Critics have argued that the selective editing of Harris' responses undermines trust in the media and raises questions about the fairness of the interview process.
CBS News' Editing Controversy: "60 Minutes" Correspondent Defends Network
CBS News has not yet provided an official explanation for the editing decisions made during Harris' interview. The network has not responded to requests for comment on Wertheim's remarks.
OutKick and Fox News Digital share common ownership, adding to the scrutiny and pressure on CBS News to address the concerns raised by Dakich and other critics.
