CBS Accused of ‘Self-Censorship’ by Rep. Matsui After 60 Minutes Pulls El Salvador Prison Report

Rep. Doris Matsui (D-Calif. 7th) issued a blistering critique of CBS News, accusing the network of "self-censorship" and "corporate cave-in" after it pulled a scheduled 60 Minutes segment regarding El Salvador's mega-prison just hours before its scheduled airtime.

In a statement posted to her official Facebook page, Matsui suggested the decision to spike the report on the Terrorism Confinement Center (CECOT) was motivated by business interests rather than journalistic standards. She specifically pointed to the pending merger of CBS's parent company, Paramount Global, which may require regulatory approval from the Trump administration.

"This is exactly what happens when broadcasters bend to political pressure," Matsui wrote. "CBS pulling a fully reported 60 Minutes segment just 2 hours before airtime—while Paramount pursues a merger requiring Trump administration approval—is a textbook case of self-censorship."

The segment, which promised an inside look at the controversial Salvadoran prison system, was abruptly pulled over the weekend. While network sources reportedly cited the need for "additional reporting," Matsui dismissed that explanation.

"When media companies prioritize business deals over journalism, the American people lose access to the truth," Matsui said. "This isn't about 'additional reporting'—this is about fear."

The congresswoman used the controversy to advocate for her recently introduced "Broadcast Freedom and Independence Act," legislation she says is designed to insulate newsrooms from corporate and political interference.

"A free press is the cornerstone of our democracy," Matsui wrote. "We cannot allow billion-dollar mergers to dictate what news Americans get to see."

The congresswoman's comments have ignited a firestorm on social media, reflecting a broader public outcry over the network's decision. As of Tuesday, Matsui's post had garnered over 83 comments, with the vast majority of constituents and followers siding with the congresswoman.

Commenters largely echoed Matsui's concerns, with many criticizing CBS for what they perceived as a lack of transparency and a betrayal of the public trust.

The controversy comes at a sensitive time for CBS News, which has faced internal and external scrutiny over its editorial decisions in recent months.

Matsui, a senior member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, which oversees telecommunications and media, signaled that she intends to keep the pressure on broadcasters to maintain journalistic independence.

"Broadcasters must resist bending to political pressure," she concluded.