CBS News Editor Assigns Netanyahu Interview to Chief White House Correspondent
CBS News editor in chief Bari Weiss assigned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's first major U.S. broadcast interview since the Iran war to Major Garrett rather than longtime "60 Minutes" correspondent Lesley Stahl. Stahl had spent months pursuing the interview. The decision follows a similar assignment in March when Garrett interviewed the Secretary of War for the program.
eonline.comCBS News editor in chief Bari Weiss assigned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's first major U.S. broadcast interview since the Iran war to chief White House correspondent Major Garrett instead of longtime "60 Minutes" correspondent Lesley Stahl, according to a report.
The decision surprised some staffers because Stahl had spent months attempting to secure the sit-down. Garrett is not part of the "60 Minutes" correspondent roster. The assignment marked the second time in recent months that Weiss booked a high-profile interview and assigned it to Garrett rather than one of the program's own correspondents.
In March, Weiss arranged for Garrett to interview the Secretary of War and directed that the conversation air on "60 Minutes" despite Garrett not being one of the show's correspondents. Tensions rose after Weiss personally booked Netanyahu and again assigned Garrett to conduct the interview.
Some staffers believed Netanyahu preferred Garrett because he was viewed as a more agreeable interviewer. Executive producer Tanya Simon resisted airing the interview on "60 Minutes" and suggested placing it on another CBS News program. Logistical issues narrowed the options.
Garrett did not arrive in Israel until late Thursday and Netanyahu was unavailable Friday. This left "60 Minutes" as the only viable slot for the Saturday broadcast. A CBS News spokesperson said it is the editor in chief's job to make decisions about bookings and interviews.
The spokesperson added that Garrett is a world-class journalist who did a tough, fair and newsmaking interview.
The reported decision comes as Weiss has asserted greater editorial control over "60 Minutes" and CBS News. Staffers have expressed concern over possible changes to the program. One correspondent's contract is set to expire later this month amid uncertainty about her continued employment.
She has retained an attorney. Weiss has faced internal criticism regarding coverage of Israel and accusations that her views have shaped editorial choices at the network. The interview with Netanyahu aired on "60 Minutes" after the assignment change.
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