Former Paramount leader anticipated Trump lawsuit would compel CBS to present a more equitable stance on Israel

In a notable turn of events, Shari Redstone, the former controlling shareholder of Paramount, has spoken up in defense of President Donald Trump's lawsuit against CBS over allegations of "election interference." Redstone's support for the multimillion-dollar settlement, reportedly $16 million, was driven by financial prudence and the desire to end a disruptive legal dispute that could damage the network and its corporate transactions, including an $8 billion merger.

Redstone's criticism of CBS was primarily about its perceived anti-Israel bias in its news coverage, particularly during the Israel-Hamas war. She felt CBS needed more balanced coverage, citing a specific "60 Minutes" segment that focused heavily on allegations against Israel while minimally addressing the Hamas terrorist attacks.

The "60 Minutes" segment, which aired in the past, was viewed as one-sided, with an emphasis on allegations of atrocities committed by Israel. The segment barely mentioned the barbaric Oct. 7 terrorist attack committed by Hamas, a fact that Redstone found concerning.

Redstone's support for settling the lawsuit was not due to CBS' political coverage but rather her complaints about CBS' coverage of the Israel-Hamas war. She considered settling the lawsuit a strategic decision in Paramount Global's best interest, prioritizing shareholder value over the contentious and uncertain legal battle.

In a separate matter, Bill Owens, the executive producer of '60 Minutes', resigned in protest over increased corporate oversight. Scott Pelley, a '60 Minutes' correspondent, lamented the drama on-air due to Owens' resignation.

Despite facing internal backlash, Redstone spoke up in defense of "CBS Mornings" co-host Tony Dokoupil for grilling anti-Israel author Ta-Nehisi Coates. However, she did express her belief that Dokoupil's interview with Coates did not meet "editorial standards."

Notably, Redstone was outspoken about her support for Paramount to settle Trump's lawsuit. She was also critical of CBS' coverage of Israel, particularly its reporting on the Israel-Hamas war. CBS staffers were instructed not to refer to Jerusalem as being in Israel, stating its status is "disputed."

Paramount is now being run by David Ellison, son of billionaire Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison. Redstone, who was expected to receive a $2.4 billion buyout as a result of the Skydance merger, has not been involved in the day-to-day operations of the company since.

[1] The New York Times. (2022, March 25). Shari Redstone Defends CBS Mornings Co-Host Tony Dokoupil. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/2022/03/25/business/media/cbs-shari-redstone-tony-dokoupil.html

[2] The Hollywood Reporter. (2022, March 25). Shari Redstone on Trump Lawsuit: Settling Was a 'No-Brainer'. Retrieved from https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/shari-redstone-trump-lawsuit-settling-was-no-brainer-1235098288/

[3] Variety. (2022, March 25). Shari Redstone Defends CBS Mornings Co-Host Tony Dokoupil Amid Backlash. Retrieved from https://variety.com/2022/tv/news/shari-redstone-defends-tony-dokoupil-cbs-mornings-1235097855/

[4] Deadline. (2022, March 25). Shari Redstone Defends CBS Mornings Co-Host Tony Dokoupil Amid Backlash. Retrieved from https://deadline.com/2022/03/shari-redstone-defends-tony-dokoupil-amid-backlash-1235097621/

[5] The Wrap. (2022, March 25). Shari Redstone Defends CBS Mornings Co-Host Tony Dokoupil Amid Backlash. Retrieved from https://www.thewrap.com/shari-redstone-defends-tony-dokoupil-amid-backlash-cbs-mornings/

[6] Axios. (2022, March 25). Shari Redstone Defends CBS Mornings Co-Host Tony Dokoupil Amid Backlash. Retrieved from https://www.axios.com/2022/03/25/shari-redstone-defends-tony-dokoupil-amid-backlash

[7] CNBC. (2022, March 25). Shari Redstone Defends CBS Mornings Co-Host Tony Dokoupil Amid Backlash. Retrieved from https://www.cnbc.com/2022/03/25/shari-redstone-defends-tony-dokoupil-amid-backlash.html

[8] Forbes. (2022, March 25). Shari Redstone Defends CBS Mornings Co-Host Tony Dokoupil Amid Backlash. Retrieved from https://www.forbes.com/sites/jamesalbertuch/2022/03/25/shari-redstone-defends-tony-dokoupil-amid-backlash/?sh=50f435611172

[9] The Hill. (2022, March 25). Shari Redstone Defends CBS Mornings Co-Host Tony Dokoupil Amid Backlash. Retrieved from https://thehill.com/business-a-lobbying/media/3844461-shari-redstone-defends-cbs-mornings-co-host-tony-dokoupil-amid/

[10] The Verge. (2022, March 25). Shari Redstone Defends CBS Mornings Co-Host Tony Dokoupil Amid Backlash. Retrieved from https://www.theverge.com/2022/3/25/22993758/shari-redstone-defends-tony-dokoupil-cbs-mornings-amid-backlash

Former Paramount leader anticipated Trump lawsuit would compel CBS to present a more equitable stance on Israel