Key facts
- Bill Maher questioned Senator Chris Murphy's assertions about political influence over CBS News and "60 Minutes."
- Maher stated he would need to see concrete evidence of political reshaping of media companies.
- Murphy argued that Trump uses presidential powers to install friendly ownership at media companies and punish opponents.
- Maher expressed skepticism about "60 Minutes" becoming entirely "MAGA."
- Murphy raised concerns about potential censorship and stories being killed that would be embarrassing to the president.
- Maher noted he watches "60 Minutes" regularly and has not observed a clear change in its reporting.
- Maher rejected the idea that personnel changes at CBS automatically prove political interference.
During an episode of "Real Time with Bill Maher," host Bill Maher challenged Senator Chris Murphy's arguments regarding political influence over CBS News and its program "60 Minutes." Murphy contended that President Donald Trump and his allies are actively working to install favorable ownership at major media companies and use regulatory powers to punish opposition. Maher expressed skepticism, stating he would need to see actual evidence of such influence and downplayed the significance of changes at CBS, suggesting that companies change hands frequently and that people often view events through a partisan lens. He specifically dismissed the idea that Scott Pelley was a "national treasure" whose departure indicated compromise. Murphy countered that concerns extended beyond visible on-air content to the potential suppression of stories embarrassing to the president, creating a censorship environment. Maher, a regular viewer of "60 Minutes," stated he had not noticed a significant difference in the program's reporting. However, former UN Ambassador Susan Rice agreed with Murphy's broader concerns about pressure on media institutions. Maher acknowledged Trump as a threat to the press and freedom of speech but remained unconvinced about the specific allegations against "60 Minutes" without clearer proof.