By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Paramount Global agreed to pay $16 million to settle President Trump’s lawsuit over edits to a “60 Minutes” interview, allocating the funds to his future presidential library. The settlement avoided a potentially costly legal battle, though it prompted criticism from First Amendment experts. This deal was seen as a way to facilitate Paramount’s sale to Skydance Media, a deal that still requires FCC approval. As part of the agreement, “60 Minutes” will release interview transcripts with presidential candidates after airing, with redactions for legal or national security.
Read the original article here
Paramount agrees to pay $16 million to settle Trump’s CBS ’60 Minutes’ lawsuit. It’s hard to know where to begin, really. It feels like another chapter in a story we’ve all been reading for far too long, a story that’s getting increasingly difficult to stomach. The basic facts are simple: Paramount, the parent company of CBS, has agreed to pay a hefty sum, $16 million, to settle a lawsuit brought by Donald Trump related to a “60 Minutes” interview. The core of the issue wasn’t about whether Trump was accurately quoted, because the unedited footage confirmed that point.
The sheer act of paying the money makes you question the motives behind the move. It feels more like appeasement than a fair resolution. This whole situation is like watching a bully get what he wants. Trump, it seems, knows how to use the system to his advantage. It feels like he can do whatever he wants. The way things are playing out, it’s as though this is just accepted. It feels as though it’s just the way things are now.
It’s easy to see why Paramount would choose to settle. A lengthy legal battle could be costly, and potentially the outcome uncertain given Trump’s influence. There’s always the worry of the impact on their business dealings, particularly when it comes to mergers and acquisitions. It’s a bit like paying a protection racket. There’s no question that Trump can use his position to create problems for those who cross him.
This is what feels like a financial shakedown. It’s as though Trump sees businesses as potential sources of profit for himself. It just adds to the feeling that the system is rigged in his favor. This is a massive problem for the media. It will encourage this behavior and make outlets think twice about even being critical.
The fact that a media outlet is paying to settle a lawsuit over editing an interview is particularly unsettling. It’s a standard practice. The fact that it has to be done is a serious problem. It gives Trump an opportunity to dictate how the media does its job. This is a situation where the media should have held its ground and defended its right to do its job. It is a situation where principles and integrity are being eroded.
The whole thing is even more bizarre. It shows a clear weakness in the system. They are playing into his hands. If Paramount has to bend over backward just to protect its merger, then the situation for the Harris campaign and anyone else in the media gets much worse.
It is so easy to see the parallels to other situations. It’s very hard to see the difference between what’s going on here and a straight-up bribe. It’s hard to see how this isn’t a precedent for other outlets. This could set a dangerous precedent for all media outlets.
There’s a sense of outrage about the whole thing. The money paid will do so much damage to the very institutions that are supposed to be holding the line. It feels like the media is capitulating. It does nothing to fight back against what many see as an erosion of the system.
It really does feel like a betrayal of the public trust. There is a sense of betrayal. It’s as though Paramount is willing to sacrifice its credibility. This really could not have come at a worse time.
There’s a strong feeling that this is all part of a pattern. It’s about power and control. This feels like he is just trying to crush his opponents. It’s not just about the money.
You have to wonder what the financial implications will be for Paramount. The amount of money involved should be questioned. Some of the outrage is over the loss of principles.
The fact that Trump is getting this money should be questioned. This feels as though it is a bribe. It feels as though this will be repeated.
It is impossible to avoid the questions about this. This entire situation is a tragedy. It has serious implications. This whole situation seems to be about control and money. It’s about greed and power.
It seems like Trump is winning.