Journalist Lara Logan is returning to CBS News’ 60 Minutes, seven months after taking a leave of absence. Logan and her producer were under heavy criticism last fall for their incorrect report on the 2012 attack on a U.S. diplomatic mission in Benghazi.
Logan’s return was first reported by The Hollywood Reporter. CBS News spokeswoman Sonya McNair later confirmed to The Associated Press that she is indeed returning.
Back in October, Logan did a report on the Benghazi attacks that hinged entirely on Morgan Jones, a British security expert, who gave an account of the incident on Sept. 11, 2012. The interview coincided with the release of his book, The Embassy House. But the Washington Post later found an incident report from his employer that revealed that he was nowhere near the diplomatic mission when the attacks happened. In addition, it was revealed that Jones’ real name is Dylan Davies.
CBS News initially stuck with the report, but eventually backtracked and apologized. The story disappeared from the 60 Minutes site and an investigation was launched after Logan went on CBS This Morning and apologized. The network was also criticized for Logan’s incredibly short apology during a 60 Minutes broadcast in November. Two weeks after that apology, Logan and a producer took a leave of absence.
CBS News also had to apologize for not mentioning that Simon & Schuster, a CBS-owned company, published the book.
It’s not known when Logan's first story since returning will air, but it’s clear that some in the media community are not going to be happy that she’s getting a second chance. “CBS indicated that they were serious about rebuilding its brand and taking accountability," David Brock, Media Matters founder, told the AP. "Having Logan back on 60 Minutes shows the exact opposite.”
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