60 Minutes

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60 Minutes is a long-running news magazine program by CBS that presents itself as an objective documentary-style, but is actually a biased form of elite neoliberal entertainment program framing "good guys" as opposed to the "bad guys.".[1][2] Any typical or traditional reference to the good faith arguments of disputing parties is usually excluded at the benefit of clearly identifying who the audience is meant to understand as being in the right and in the wrong.

It is typically a pre-taped broadcast, and this enables a high degree of editing to make subjects look as bad as possible. Sometimes the segments become vehicles for an accused defendant to air his views.

Controversies

2011, RAPE OF REPORTER LOGAN

During Barack Hussein Obama's much vaunted "Arab Spring", the supposed "democratization" of the Arab Muslim world, reporter Lara Logan for 60 Minutes was gang raped at the center of public demonstrations in Tahrir Square while covering protests in Cairo.[3]

2004, RATHERGATE

Dan Rather and the Rathergate controversy stemmed from a 2004 60 Minutes II report that aired on September 8, 2004, focusing on President George W. Bush's National Guard service during the Vietnam War. The segment, reported by Rather, included documents alleging that Bush received preferential treatment and avoided combat duty. The authenticity of the documents came under immediate scrutiny, leading to accusations that they were forged. Despite Rather's defense of the report's validity, the controversy intensified, leading to widespread criticism of both the reporting and the network's editorial processes.

The fallout from the Rathergate scandal was significant, resulting in the dismissal of Rather as the anchor of the CBS Evening News and the resignation of several key producers and executives. The controversy highlighted issues regarding journalistic standards, fact-checking procedures, and the vetting of sources. It also sparked a broader discussion about media accountability and the responsibility of news organizations to maintain rigorous standards of accuracy and integrity.

1999, AGENT ORANGE

In 1999, 60 Minutes aired a controversial report titled "Agent Orange: The Toxic Legacy," which investigated the long-term health effects of Agent Orange, a herbicide used during the Vietnam War. The segment focused on the severe health issues, including cancer and birth defects, suffered by Vietnamese people and U.S. veterans due to exposure to Agent Orange, which contained toxic dioxins. The report, however, faced criticism for allegedly misrepresenting scientific evidence and overstating the risks associated with the herbicide. Critics, including veterans' groups and chemical companies, argued that the segment relied on questionable data and did not adequately address the scientific debate surrounding Agent Orange.

The controversy led to legal actions from chemical companies and lawsuits from affected parties, as well as a broader discussion about journalistic ethics and accuracy. Although 60 Minutes defended its reporting, the backlash highlighted the challenges of covering complex and sensitive issues like the impact of Agent Orange. The incident underscored the importance of responsible journalism in handling contentious subjects and had lasting effects on public perception and policy regarding the herbicide's legacy.

1998, SOROS ADMITS NAZI COLLABORATIONS

On one infamous episode of 60 Minutes aired on December 20, 1998, in an interview with reporter Steve Kroft, George Soros openly admitted to his collaboration with the Nazis during World War II to send Hungarian Jews to their deaths in concentration camps and profit off the theft and sale of their belongings, adding that he had absolutely no regrets about his actions.[4][5]

1998, AIDING SUICIDES ON-AIR

In 1998, 60 Minutes aired a controversial segment featuring Jack Kevorkian, known as "Dr. Death," who was notorious for assisting terminally ill patients with euthanasia. The segment, titled "Dr. Death," included footage of Kevorkian performing an assisted suicide, which sparked significant ethical and legal debate. Critics argued that broadcasting such content was exploitative and breached the dignity of the individuals involved, raising questions about the appropriateness of showing real-life deaths on television.

The controversy also had legal implications, as Kevorkian's practices were under scrutiny and the segment's airing potentially influenced public opinion and ongoing legal proceedings related to his actions. The episode highlighted the challenges of reporting on sensitive topics and ignited debate about the role of media in covering contentious and polarizing issues. It served as a case study in the ethical boundaries of journalism and the impact of sensationalistic reporting.

See also

References

  1. ↑ Experts Refute 60 Minutes Criticism
  2. ↑ How 60 Minutes Passed on Chevron
  3. ↑ https://www.nytimes.com/2011/04/29/business/media/29logan.html
  4. ↑ http://www.youngcons.com/we-found-it-behold-the-60-minutes-interview-george-soros-thought-was-buried/
  5. ↑ https://youtu.be/HXqty2rkUDY
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