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A high-profile interview with Israeli former Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has sparked tensions at CBS News following reports that correspondent Major Garrett secured the exclusive sit-down with 60 Minutes, outlasting Lesley Stahl, who had been vying for the opportunity for months. According to sources, Netanyahu’s team opted for Garrett instead of Stahl after CBS News chief Bari Weiss offered them the choice between the two correspondents.
The surprise decision appears to be another instance where Weiss, the president and executive editor of CBS News, has bypassed the traditional 60 Minutes interview process for a high-profile figure, with Garrett once again being assigned the role for the second time in recent months. This development has left some staff and producers at the news network feeling frustrated, believing that Netanyahu deliberately evaded the standard procedure by leveraging Weiss’ support to secure the coveted interview.
Lesley Stahl, a prominent journalist and regular 60 Minutes correspondent, had reportedly been working to secure an interview with Netanyahu for considerable time prior to Garrett’s selection for the task. However, Netanyahu’s team ultimately chose to have Garrett conduct the interview instead, raising questions about the extent to which Weiss’ support played a role in the decision.
While sources have confirmed that CBS News’ standard process involves correspondents competing for high-profile interviews through a bidding system, Weiss’ direct involvement in securing the Netanyahu interview has created tension within the news network’s internal ranks. Critics argue that Weiss’ actions have disrupted the network’s usual protocol and favoritism towards certain correspondents.
A spokesperson for CBS News has declined to comment on the decision, citing the organization’s preference for focusing on the quality of their journalism rather than behind-the-scenes personnel dynamics. As CBS News navigates the fallout from this incident, it remains to be seen whether this development will lead to further changes or adjustments within the network’s editorial hierarchy.
The controversy surrounding the Netanyahu interview has also renewed discussions about the role of high-profile figures like Weiss within the network’s leadership and their influence on major stories and reporting decisions. With the 60 Minutes team set to debut the exclusive interview with Netanyahu, many are waiting to see how this pivotal conversation sheds light on current global issues and the dynamics at play within CBS News.