Bob Costas, the renowned sportscaster, recently voiced his concerns about the state of the free press, asserting that it is "under attack." He criticized mainstream media outlets for what he perceived as their capitulation to Donald Trump, accusing them of paying the president a "ransom" and engaging in "ongoing assaults" on the First Amendment.
During his speech at the Mirror Awards, where he was honored for his contributions to media understanding, Costas specifically called out ABC News. He cited the network's parent company, Disney, settling Trump's defamation lawsuit for $15 million after the 2024 election. Trump had claimed defamation over a statement made by George Stephanopoulos. Costas argued that a simple correction of the statement would have sufficed, rather than the financial settlement.
Costas also addressed Shari Redstone, the chief shareholder of CBS News' parent company, Paramount Global. He criticized her for potentially settling Trump's lawsuit over a "60 Minutes" interview with Kamala Harris, a lawsuit legal experts have deemed frivolous. He noted the resignations of key figures at CBS News amid internal tensions over the pending settlement. Costas questioned whether Redstone's desire to facilitate a merger influenced her actions, suggesting that the settlement was a form of "ransom."
Throughout his speech, Costas emphasized the broader implications of these actions, stating that the Trump administration was waging a war against the media. He lamented that news organizations were seemingly bending to the president's will, often presenting "both-sides" coverage to appease Trump and his supporters. He argued that this approach was misguided, particularly when dealing with Trump's views, which he believes are solely self-serving.
Costas further criticized the normalization of Trump, stating that it forces journalists to present two sides to issues where there is not a legitimate opposing viewpoint. He used the example of the flat-Earth theory to illustrate his point, arguing that objectivity does not require giving credence to false claims. He concluded his remarks by acknowledging the backlash he has received for his outspokenness, stating that he wears the criticism as a "badge of honor.
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