In a recent episode of ‘Real Time with Bill Maher,’ host Bill Maher addressed claims by Sen. Chris Murphy regarding political influence over CBS and its flagship program ’60 Minutes.’ Murphy, a Democrat from Connecticut, suggested that former President Donald Trump and his allies have been reshaping major media companies to align with their interests. Maher, however, expressed skepticism about these claims, stating, ‘When I see actual evidence of that, I’ll be on your side.’
Media Influence and Ownership
Murphy argued that the controversy surrounding CBS News and ’60 Minutes’ is part of a broader pattern involving the White House, corporate ownership, and media pressure. He claimed that Trump was using presidential powers to ensure friendly ownership at major media companies and to punish those who oppose him. Maher countered this by downplaying the impact of changes at CBS, including the departure of veteran correspondent Scott Pelley, saying, ‘Companies change hands all the time.’
Murphy’s concerns extended beyond on-air content to what might be omitted due to alleged censorship. He suggested that stories potentially embarrassing to the president might be suppressed. Maher, a regular viewer of ’60 Minutes,’ noted that he had not observed a significant change in the program’s reporting. ‘If I didn’t hear all the buzz in the media, if I didn’t read about it all the time, would I ever notice that it was any different? I don’t think I would,’ Maher said.
Broader Concerns and Reactions
Murphy broadened his argument beyond ’60 Minutes,’ suggesting that CBS had undergone other changes, including the removal of a chief late-night critic of Trump. Fellow guest Susan Rice, former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, echoed Murphy’s concerns, stating, ‘I feel it, too.’
While Maher agreed with the larger point that Trump posed a threat to the press and freedom of speech, he remained unconvinced about the specific allegations regarding ’60 Minutes.’ He emphasized the need for clear evidence before concluding that the program had been compromised.
Fox News Digital reached out to the White House and CBS for comments on the matter, but no responses were reported in the source article.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
