What Happened to CBS News?
CBS News has undergone significant transformations from 2024 to 2026, marked by a major corporate merger, a strategic pivot towards streaming with the rebranding to CBS News 24/7, and substantial leadership changes including the controversial appointment of Bari Weiss as Editor-in-Chief. These shifts have led to editorial controversies, high-profile departures, and fluctuating viewership ratings across its flagship programs as the network navigates a rapidly evolving media landscape.
Quick Answer
CBS News has experienced a period of intense change from 2024 to 2026, highlighted by its parent company, Paramount Global, merging with Skydance Media. The news division rebranded its streaming service to CBS News 24/7, emphasizing digital expansion. A major shift occurred with the appointment of Bari Weiss as Editor-in-Chief in late 2025, leading to significant editorial and personnel changes, including a new anchor for the 'CBS Evening News' and a shake-up at '60 Minutes,' amidst ongoing ratings challenges and controversies over journalistic independence.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline16 events
CBS News Streaming Network Rebrands to CBS News 24/7
CBS News announced the rebranding of its free ad-supported streaming service to CBS News 24/7, aiming to double live programming hours and introduce new shows like 'CBS News Confirmed' and a live 'whip-around newscast' to enhance its digital presence.
Bob Bakish Steps Down as Paramount Global CEO
Bob Bakish resigned from his role as President and CEO of Paramount Global, the parent company of CBS News, amidst ongoing discussions about the company's future and potential mergers.
Paramount Global Announces Merger with Skydance Media
Paramount Global, owner of CBS News, announced a deal to merge with Skydance Media, an entertainment business founded by David Ellison. This move aimed to resolve months of speculation regarding Paramount's future.
Norah O'Donnell Announces Departure from 'CBS Evening News'
Norah O'Donnell announced she would leave her position as anchor of the 'CBS Evening News' after the 2024 election to take on a new, expanded role at the network focusing on longform reporting and interviews across CBS and Paramount+.
New Editorial Leadership Structure at CBS News and Stations
CBS News and Stations introduced a new editorial leadership structure, with Adrienne Roark becoming President of Editorial and Newsgathering, and Jennifer Mitchell becoming President of Stations and Digital, aiming for more collaborative and efficient news coverage.
Norah O'Donnell's Final 'CBS Evening News' Broadcast; John Dickerson and Maurice DuBois Take Over
Norah O'Donnell aired her final 'CBS Evening News' broadcast. John Dickerson and Maurice DuBois were named as the new anchors, marking a shift to an 'ensemble' approach for the evening newscast.
Tom Cibrowski Named President and Executive Editor of CBS News
Tom Cibrowski, a veteran journalist with extensive experience at ABC News, was appointed President and Executive Editor of CBS News, marking his return to the network.
FCC Approves Paramount Global-Skydance Media Merger
The Federal Communications Commission approved the $8 billion merger between Paramount Global and Skydance Media, a crucial step towards the formation of Paramount Skydance Corporation.
Paramount Settles Donald Trump Lawsuit for $16 Million
Less than a month before FCC approval, Paramount Global paid $16 million to settle a lawsuit filed by Donald Trump against CBS News over an edited '60 Minutes' interview from 2024, raising questions about influence on the merger.
Bari Weiss Appointed Editor-in-Chief of CBS News; Wendy McMahon and Bill Owens Resign
Bari Weiss was appointed Editor-in-Chief of CBS News following the acquisition of her outlet, The Free Press, by Paramount Skydance. This controversial appointment was followed by the resignations of CBS News President Wendy McMahon and '60 Minutes' executive producer Bill Owens, who cited a loss of journalistic independence.
Tony Dokoupil Named Anchor of 'CBS Evening News'
Emmy Award-winning journalist Tony Dokoupil was named the new anchor of the 'CBS Evening News,' effective January 5, 2026, ushering in another new era for the nightly newscast.
Tony Dokoupil Begins Anchoring 'CBS Evening News'; '5 Simple Values' Introduced
Tony Dokoupil officially began his role as anchor of the 'CBS Evening News.' The broadcast also introduced '5 simple values' to guide its reporting, a move that drew scrutiny from critics.
'CBS Evening News' Ratings Dip Below 4 Million Viewers
Ratings for 'CBS Evening News' under Tony Dokoupil dipped below 4 million average viewers, reaching 3.83 million, continuing a trend of viewership struggles for the program.
Bari Weiss Overhauls '60 Minutes' Leadership and Staff
CBS News Editor-in-Chief Bari Weiss replaced '60 Minutes' executive producer Tanya Simon with Nick Bilton and saw the departure of correspondents Sharyn Alfonsi and Cecilia Vega, signaling a major shake-up and 'new approach' for the iconic program.
Scott Pelley Fired from '60 Minutes'
Veteran '60 Minutes' correspondent Scott Pelley was fired, reportedly after accusing Editor-in-Chief Bari Weiss of 'murdering' the program, further intensifying the controversy surrounding the changes at CBS News.
'CBS Mornings' Hits Record Low Viewership
'CBS Mornings' posted its lowest weekly viewership in the program's history, averaging 1.59 million viewers, a 13% decline from the previous year, amidst ongoing editorial shifts under Bari Weiss.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
The period between 2024 and 2026 has been one of profound change and strategic reorientation for CBS News, driven by both corporate maneuvers and internal editorial shifts. A pivotal development was the merger of its parent company, Paramount Global, with Skydance Media. This transaction, which resolved months of speculation, was announced in July 2024 and received FCC approval in July 2025, officially closing in August 2025 to form Paramount Skydance. The merger brought new ownership and, consequently, new strategic directives for CBS News.
In April 2024, CBS News embarked on a significant digital expansion, rebranding its streaming platform as CBS News 24/7. This initiative aimed to double live programming hours and introduce new shows like 'CBS News Confirmed,' dedicated to combating misinformation, and a live 'whip-around newscast.' This move underscored the network's ambition to become a leader in free news streaming amidst declining linear television viewership. Concurrently, there were notable changes in the traditional broadcast lineup. Norah O'Donnell announced her departure from the 'CBS Evening News' anchor desk after the 2024 election, transitioning to a new role focused on longform storytelling. Following her exit in January 2025, John Dickerson and Maurice DuBois initially took over as anchors, with plans for a streaming-exclusive 'CBS Evening News Plus' also announced.
The most impactful changes, however, began in late 2025 with the appointment of Bari Weiss as Editor-in-Chief of CBS News in October 2025, following Paramount Skydance's acquisition of her media outlet, The Free Press. Weiss, who had no prior broadcast journalism experience, was tasked with a 'new approach' and a digital transformation, stating that CBS was 'not producing a product enough people want.' Her tenure quickly became controversial, marked by allegations of a conservative editorial shift, a $16 million settlement with Donald Trump over a '60 Minutes' interview from 2024, and the resignations of CBS News President Wendy McMahon and '60 Minutes' executive producer Bill Owens, who cited a loss of journalistic independence.
Under Weiss's leadership, CBS News introduced '5 simple values' for 'CBS Evening News' in early 2026. The anchor role for 'CBS Evening News' saw further changes, with Tony Dokoupil named the new permanent anchor in December 2025, beginning his role in January 2026. However, ratings for 'CBS Evening News' under Dokoupil have shown struggles, dipping below 4 million viewers again by March 2026 and continuing to lag behind competitors. The '60 Minutes' program also underwent a significant shake-up in May 2026, with Weiss replacing executive producer Tanya Simon with Nick Bilton and the departure of correspondents Sharyn Alfonsi and Cecilia Vega, followed by the firing of veteran correspondent Scott Pelley in June 2026, further fueling debates over editorial direction and independence. As of July 2026, 'CBS Mornings' also hit a record low in viewership, reflecting broader challenges for the network under its new editorial direction.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if CBS News made different choices?