CBS Parent Company CEO Says Network Leadership Made ‘Mistake’ in Response to Tony Dokoupil’s Interview
Shari Redstone, the chair of Paramount Global, CBS’s parent company, has publicly defended Tony Dokoupil and criticized CBS News leadership for their handling of the fallout from Dokoupil’s interview with author Ta-Nehisi Coates. During a panel at Advertising Week in New York, Redstone stated that she believes Dokoupil did not violate CBS’s editorial standards during the interview.
“I think Tony did a great job with that interview. I think he handled himself and showed the world and modeled what civil discourse is. He showed that there was accountability, that there is a system of checks and balances, and frankly, I was very proud of the work that he did,” Redstone said.
Redstone also expressed her support for Dokoupil directly and emphasized the importance of challenging statements, just as the network does with everyone else. She noted that CBS had featured Coates to discuss his highly regarded new book, “The Message,” which criticizes Israel’s treatment of Palestinians as a moral failing that many Americans either cannot or choose not to confront directly.
Despite internal grievances, Redstone asserted that CBS’s executives made a “bad mistake” in their management of the fallout. She has been working with CBS CEOs and diversity training leaders to address the issue, recognizing the need for action and uniform standards across all matters.
A source within CBS defended the network’s response, stating that the situation was “managed with respect.” However, Redstone’s comments have highlighted the disagreement over how the network handled the controversy, with some staff members expressing concerns about Dokoupil’s behavior during the interview.
