Former CBS anchor Dan Rather has labeled the current state of CBS News a "disaster" following the appointment of Bari Weiss as editor-in-chief... While Rather suggests corporate interests are compromising journalistic integrity,an internal source claims the network continues to produce critical reporting on the Trump administration.
The $150 million acquisition of The Free Press
Paramount's decision to bring Bari Weiss into the CBS News fold was anchored by a $150 million acquisition of her media outlet, The Free Press. This move, orchestrated by Paramount owner David Ellison, has fundamentally shifted the editorial landscape of the network. The hiring of Weiss, who is known for her support of Israel and her challenges to DEI and gender ideology, has reportedly infuriated many liberal journalists and media figures.
This acquisition occurs amidst a larger period of transition for the network, as it navigates a complex merger with Skydance Media. This consolidation of corporate power has become a central point of contention for those who believe the network's independence is at risk. As the report notes, the merger was approved shortly after CBS reached a settlement in an election interference lawsuit involving the president.
Dan Rather's warning of "billionaire corporate power"
Dan Rather, who departed CBS in 2006 following his reporting on a discredited story regarding George W. Bush,has used his Substack to argue that the network is falling victim to a dangerous consolidation of influence. Rather claims that the Skydance Media merger has allowed billionaire interests to align too closely with political power, specifically suggesting that Donald Trump has successfully pressured the network to change. Rather expressed concern that journalists at CBS News can no longer credibly serve as watchdogs because the very people they are meant to hold to account are now effectively "signing their paychecks."
Rather described the current state of the network as a "wreckage" that is spreading throughout the organization. He argued that the consolidation of corporate power has cleared the way for changes that specifically target the integrity of flagship programs like 60 Minutes.
60 Minutes' recent reports on the pardon economy and deportations
Despite the heavy criticism from figures like Rather, a network insider maintains that the newsroom's watchdog function remains active. According to the report, 60 Minutes has continued to air investigative pieces that challenge the Trump administration throughout the current season. These include a report on the "pardon economy," coverage of individuals being deported to countries they are not from, and an investigation into the federal government's role in elections.
These specific stories serve as a direct rebuttal to the claim that the network has been silenced by its new leadership. The insider's defense suggests that while the editorial direction may be shifting, the fundamental mission of investigative journalism at CBS has not been entirely abandoned.
The fallout of Scott Pelley's departure from CBS News
The internal friction at CBS News has already resulted in high-profile exits,most notably that of Scott Pelley. The report indicates that Pelley was fired following clashes with Bari Weiss and a new producer at 60 Minutes. This departure highlights the growing tension between the old guard of CBS journalism and the new editorial regime.
While some staff members have voiced objections to the changes under Weiss, others, like Norah O'Donnell, have urged critics to give programs like CBS Mornings a chance to prove their value under the new leadership. This leaves a critical question for the industry: can the network maintain its journalistic credibility while simultaneously undergoing a massive ideological and corporate overhaul, or will the departure of veteran stars like Pelley signal a permanent shift in the network's identity?
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