Spiked ‘60 Minutes‘ Segment on Venezuelan Deportations Surfaces Online After Canadian broadcast
A controversial segment from 60 minutes detailing the harsh conditions faced by Venezuelan deportees in El Salvador’s CECOT prison is now available for viewing, despite being pulled from the CBS broadcast schedule by news editor-in-chief Bari Weiss. The segment initially aired on Global TV, the Canadian broadcaster of the program, and has since been widely shared online.
This unexpected release follows a decision by Weiss to halt the segment’s U.S. airing, citing concerns about its readiness and impact. Let’s break down what happened, why it sparked controversy, and what it means for viewers.
What the Segment Revealed
The segment, reported by Sharyn Alfonsi and produced by Oriana Zill de Granados, focused on the experiences of Venezuelans deported by the Trump governance to CECOT, a prison in El Salvador known for its brutal conditions and gang violence.It featured firsthand accounts of torture and horrific treatment.
The story aimed to shed light on the plight of these individuals, but Weiss argued it didn’t offer enough new information. She stated the public was already aware of the issues at CECOT, as similar reporting had been done by The New York Times and other outlets.
Why Was the Segment Pulled?
weiss explained her decision to staff, emphasizing the need for 60 Minutes to deliver truly impactful and groundbreaking journalism. Her reasoning centered on these key points:
* Lack of New Information: The segment,in its original form,didn’t significantly advance the existing understanding of the situation.
* Need for Accountability: Weiss wanted to secure on-camera interviews with key individuals responsible for the conditions at CECOT.
* Maintaining Standards: She emphasized the importance of upholding 60 minutes’ reputation for rigorous reporting and impactful storytelling.
“Our viewers come first,” Weiss told staff, “Not the listing schedule or anything else.”
How Did It Air in Canada?
The timing of Weiss’s request proved problematic. CBS had already released the week’s broadcast lineup, and the signal sent to Global TV in Canada wasn’t adjusted before the segment aired. This resulted in the original version being broadcast to Canadian audiences and subsequently uploaded to platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and YouTube.
While CBS may issue copyright claims to limit online distribution, the segment is currently widely accessible.
Internal Disagreement and Concerns
The decision to pull the segment sparked internal backlash at CBS. Correspondent Sharyn Alfonsi expressed strong disagreement, emailing colleagues that the story had undergone five rigorous reviews by CBS attorneys and Standards and Practices and was “factually correct.”
Alfonsi characterized the move as “a political one,” suggesting editorial integrity was compromised.
What’s next?
Weiss has indicated she intends to revisit the story once her concerns are addressed. However, the Canadian broadcast means viewers have already seen the original version. This will allow for direct comparison when CBS eventually airs a revised segment.
This situation raises critically important questions about editorial independence, the pressures of broadcast scheduling, and the pursuit of impactful journalism. It also highlights the challenges of controlling information in the age of global broadcasting and social media.
You can stay informed about this developing story and the eventual revised segment on the 60 Minutes website (https://www.cbsnews.com/60-minutes/).
