FCC publishes CBS’ raw Kamala Harris ‘60 Minutes’ interview, transcript

LOS ANGELES - The Federal Communications Commission has released the full, unedited transcript and footage of Vice President Kamala Harris’ October 2024 interview on "60 Minutes" after months of controversy over how CBS edited the broadcast. 

The move has reignited debate over whether the network misrepresented Harris’ responses to key foreign policy questions.

What’s in the unedited interview?

The backstory:

CBS faced criticism for airing different portions of Harris’ response regarding Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s handling of the Israel-Gaza war.

In a preview clip aired on "Face the Nation," Harris gave a lengthy answer that some critics mocked as a "word salad." However, when "60 Minutes" aired the interview the following night, the segment featured only a shorter, more polished excerpt of her response.

CBS later published the full transcript and video, stating that the materials confirmed "60 Minutes’" original assurance that the broadcast was not doctored or deceitful. 

The network defended its editing choices, explaining that journalists regularly trim interviews for time, space, or clarity, and that "60 Minutes" edits are guided by what will be most informative to viewers.

Why is the FCC involved?

The other side:

FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr ordered CBS to provide the unedited transcript as part of an investigation into whether the network violated the FCC’s news distortion policy, which prohibits networks from deliberately misrepresenting news events. 

Carr questioned why CBS immediately released an unredacted transcript of a recent interview with Vice President JD Vance but refused to release the one with Harris for months. The FCC has since opened a public review of the news distortion complaint.

Carr also told Fox News Digital that transparency is key and that the FCC’s review will continue as it gathers public feedback. CBS News has not publicly responded to requests for further comment.

(L-R) Former US President Bill Clinton, former Vice President Kamala Harris, and former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton attend the inauguration ceremonies in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda on January 20, 2025 in Washington, DC.  (Photo by Shawn Thew-Pool/Getty Images)

CBS responds to criticism

What they're saying:

CBS maintains that its editing process was fair and did not misrepresent Harris’ remarks. The network explained that it aired a longer portion of her response on "Face the Nation" and a shorter excerpt on "60 Minutes" but ensured the vice president’s answers were fairly represented.

It also emphasized that the "hard-hitting questions" posed to Harris in the interview spoke for themselves.

"In reporting the news, journalists regularly edit interviews – for time, space or clarity. In making these edits, ‘60 Minutes’ is always guided by the truth and what we believe will be most informative to the viewing public – all while working within the constraints of broadcast television," CBS said on its website, which included the original transcripts and video requested by the FCC.

However, critics argue that CBS selectively edited Harris’ remarks to protect her from further scrutiny after her full response was widely criticized. 

The controversy over the transcript release has drawn renewed attention to media transparency and the role of networks in shaping political narratives.

What's next:

The FCC is now seeking public input on the news distortion complaint and will continue its review of CBS’ handling of the Harris interview. The controversy has also raised broader concerns about media transparency and the role of federal oversight in journalism.

"The FCC has now opened up a proceeding and is seeking public comment on the News Distortion complaint. Transparency here is important. The FCC’s review will continue, and we look forward to the public’s feedback," Carr said.