CBS News is facing backlash after an internal memo instructed journalists not to refer to Jerusalem as part of Israel, igniting criticism from media figures and raising concerns about journalistic integrity. The memo, sent by CBS News senior director of standards Mark Memmott in late August, emphasized the disputed status of Jerusalem, despite its recognition as Israel’s capital by the US government.
Backlash created by memo
The directive sparked outrage across social media and among journalists. Adam Rubenstein, contributing editor at The Free Press, stated, “Standards desks are now instructing journalists to deny reality.” Fox News contributor Guy Benson responded, “Jerusalem is not only in Israel, it is the capital of Israel. What on earth is happening at CBS?” Washington Examiner senior writer David Harsanyi added, “Then we can stop referring to CBS employees as journalists.”
This issue comes amid broader internal tensions at CBS News, highlighted by a controversial interview conducted by CBS Mornings co-host Tony Dokoupil, who has personal ties to Israel as a convert to Judaism.
After the interview, CBS News reportedly required Dokoupil to meet with the network’s Race and Culture Unit after complaints about his tone and body language during the interview. Despite this, a source familiar with the situation confirmed that Dokoupil would not be further reprimanded. CBS legal correspondent Jan Crawford defended Dokoupil during a staff conference call, and Paramount Global chair Shari Redstone reportedly referred to the reprimand as a “mistake.”
