Editorial Standards and Internal Response
executives acknowledged that 's interview with did not meet the network's editorial standards, addressing the issue in a daily editorial meeting.
The network's leadership, including CBS News and Stations president , emphasized the importance of impartiality and the need for courageous conversations, following criticism of Dokoupil's tone.
Public and Staff Reactions
The interview, which compared Coates' book to extremist writings, sparked a divided response among CBS staff, with some supporting the challenge to Coates' views and others feeling Dokoupil was biased.
Criticism extended to CBS News hiring a DEI strategist, , to moderate further discussions, amidst controversy over Grant's social media posts and the network's handling of the interview.
