CBS's Big Edit: What Made the Cut and What Didn't

CBS recently shared the full 73-minute interview between Scott Pelley and former President Donald Trump, which was a stark contrast to the 28-minute version that aired on "60 Minutes. " This move gave viewers a peek into the editing process, showing how journalists decide what's newsworthy. The decision to release the full interview sparked discussions about transparency in journalism. It's not common for networks to share raw footage, but CBS did it this time, letting viewers see what ended up on the cutting room floor. The broadcast started with the government shutdown, but the full interview began with Trump's meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping. This shows how journalists pick what they think is most important for viewers. The edited version focused on the most newsworthy parts, cutting out tangents and repetitive attacks. Some interesting moments didn't make the final cut. Trump's comment about Senator Chuck Schumer and his criticism of New York Attorney General Letitia James were left out. There were also parts where Trump ranted about his predecessor, President Joe Biden, more than 40 times, but only a few instances made it to air. CBS did add some fact-checks, like refuting Trump's claim about China and Russia testing nuclear weapons. But they missed some opportunities, like Trump's claim about beating legal "nonsense" thrown at him. The interview also touched on crime in cities, with Trump asking Pelley if he felt safer in Washington, D. C. , after the National Guard was deployed. Pelley's response was about working too hard and not being out much. One notable omission was Trump's discussion about management changes at CBS' parent company Paramount, which settled a lawsuit with him for $16 million. Trump praised the new leaders and the news division's new editor-in-chief, Bari Weiss. This editing process drew mixed reactions. Some critics felt important parts were left out, while others thought the edited version was more focused. It's a reminder that editing is a big part of journalism, shaping what viewers see and hear.