Bill Maher pushed back on Sen.Chris Murphy's claims about political influence over "60 Minutes" during Friday's episode of "Real Time with Bill Maher," challenging the Connecticut Democrat's argument that President Donald Trump and his allies are reshaping major media companies to favor the administration."When I see actual evidence of that, I’ll be on your side," Maher said.The HBO host also downplayed the impact of the tumult at CBS and "60 Minutes," saying, "I don’t feel like Scott Pelley was a national treasure.
Companies change hands all the time." He added, "I feel like we see everything through such a partisan lens.‘Oh my God! ’60 Minutes' has a new cast!’ So does ‘Saturday Night Live!’"Murphy had argued that the controversy surrounding CBS News and "60 Minutes" was part of a larger pattern involving the White House, corporate ownership and media pressure."Trump is using the powers that he has available as president of the United States to install only friendly ownership at the big media companies," Murphy said.
"He’s using regulatory powers to punish people who oppose him."Bill Maher questioned claims that political pressure has transformed "60 Minutes," saying he has not noticed a significant change in the program’s reporting.(Left (HBO Max), Right (Nathan Howard/Getty Images))Fox News Digital reached out to the White House for comment.
Fox News Digital also reached out to CBS for comment. '60 MINUTES' STAFF READY TO MOVE FORWARD FROM PARAMOUNT-TRUMP SETTLEMENT, BUT CONCERNS CARRY ONSen.Chris Murphy warned that viewers may not know which stories never make it to air, while Maher said he has yet to see proof of censorship at "60 Minutes." (Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)Maher responded by saying Murphy was making a sweeping statement about one of the most prominent news programs in the country."That’s a big charge that you just made, that ‘60 Minutes’ itself and CBS itself is now completely MAGA," Maher said.
"I don’t see it that...