This article is part of TPM Cafe, TPM house for opinion and analysis news.
Paramount Global, who owns CBS News, made a dangerous decision to settle the lawsuit filed by Donald Trump against them last year. Trump’s lawsuit confirmed that CBS ‘ 60 minutes The Kamala Harris interview was illegally edited to harm his chances of presidential race 2024. Before stability, Paramount properly argued by Trump’s legal theories that were worthy and ended with the rights of the company’s first amendment. After the media bloc The lawsuit settled For 16 million dollars, which you will pay to the Trump presidential library in addition to other costs, although Trump confirmed that the settlement deserves Double this amount. The settlement decision by the Paramount Board of Directors carries legal risks and a huge reputation – including potential bribery fees – while Americans rely on independent investigative press.
Many legal experts Agreed From the beginning, Paramount had a strong defense, pointing to the constitutional protection to make liberation decisions. But it seems that the company’s choice for the settlement Articulated Unrelated 8 billion dollars merger With skydance media. If the Federal Communications Committee (FCC), led by Trump ally Brendan Car, does not agree to this merger By OctoberThe deal can collapse and the Chairman Redstone can lose the report 2 billion dollars payment.
While Trump’s lawyers and Kar denied that the case is linked to the procedures of the Federal Communications Committee (FCC It seems to see Link, as Trump did same. And as a parameont abstonction Struggle With the possibility of facing bribery fees if the case is decided, the internal pressures of CBS News to provide more convenient coverage of Trump raised a major internal dispute, which led to a high -level news squad Resignation.
Paramount found herself in a difficult situation, undoubtedly. But the dangerous risks of stability with Trump are bad for the company, its shareholders and employees – and it represents a dangerous sign of democracy. These risks are clear in the potential legal risks that Paramount still face the post -settlement.
First, Redston warned in Onesuris three American Senate members-Ilizabeth Warren (D-MA), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Ron Widen (D-AR)- May 19 message That is under Federal LawPushing Trump to help put finishing touches on the approval of the integration of bribery to the general official. Such a charge has Five years Law of statute of limitations. Senators suggested that any “plan in favor of the curry with the Trump administration” weakens press independence and raises corruption concerns. Immediately after the settlement, Widin review These cases were asked the prosecutors to follow up criminal charges, while Warren Call investigation.
State level problems also appeared. In California, two strong Senate members chairing already related committees I launched an investigationInvite two CBS former CEOs to testify. Legislators have suggested that a settlement could violate the laws of California, for example, unfair competition and misuse of corporate funds, while punishing competitors who resist political intervention, distort the media market, and penetrate the investigative press in California.
Moreover, Paramount shareholders have already threatened to take legal action. Non -profitable Freedom of the pressThat owns Paramount Stock, promised to sue the company if it settled with Trump and recently rented two Power Lawyers In preparation. On June 5, non -profit organizations He said Pyramont painting The settlement can cause “catastrophic” damage to the company and destroy the value of the shareholders. They also said that the settlement can penetrate the tasks of caring for the council and loyalty illegally to the shareholders, form bribery, and violate the laws of fighting competition in several states-which can double legal and responsibility fees.
Other long -term risks are many. For example, the future president can take a completely different look at Trump. The future conference can hold high -level sessions and refer to an investigation into the Ministry of Justice. The future Ministry of Justice can investigate the potential trial of the law, including the angle of bribery. The Federal Communications Committee (FCC) can also under the supervision of a new chair also launch investigation procedures. Lawyers participating in the settlement may face disciplinary procedures for the state or not to get rid of them if there is a discovery that they have acted illegally or immoral.
Regardless of the legal risks, the reliable brand of CBS News and its credibility with the American people is likely to be the hole. On a wider scale, the settlement represents another example of the independent Kowtowing media companies To manage this It seems intent To weaken the imagined enemies. As an editorial council for the governor Wall Street Journal books: “The president uses the government to intimidate the news that publishes the stories that he does not like. It is a low step in a free country with free press.”