CBS News is undergoing major organizational changes following its parent company Paramount’s acquisition by Skydance Media. According to recent reports, nearly 1,000 jobs are expected to be cut across the company, with close to 100 positions eliminated specifically at CBS News. The restructuring reflects broader challenges in the traditional media industry as networks grapple with declining viewership and the evolving digital landscape.
Major Program and Staff Changes
Several key CBS programs are being affected by the cuts. The streaming versions of CBS Mornings and CBS Evening News have been canceled, while CBS Saturday Morning will undergo a complete overhaul. Longtime hosts Michelle Miller and Dana Jacobson are set to depart, marking the end of an era for the weekend edition, which has aired in various formats since 1997. Ratings have reportedly declined by about ten percent this season, with more pronounced drops among younger audiences.
Veteran journalist John Dickerson, co-host of CBS Evening News, is also leaving at the end of the year. The network is closing its Johannesburg bureau as part of a global restructuring effort aimed at streamlining operations and cutting costs.
Employee Reactions and Company Direction
Inside sources describe the mood at CBS News as tense and uncertain. Many employees reportedly feel anxious about the future as Skydance continues its integration process and adjusts the company’s direction. Despite the upheaval, some industry observers see potential for positive change as new leadership redefines the network’s editorial approach and strategic focus.
New Leadership and Future Outlook
David Ellison, CEO of Skydance, recently appointed journalist Bari Weiss as the new editor-in-chief of CBS News. Weiss, known for her emphasis on journalistic integrity and balanced reporting, is expected to play a key role in shaping the network’s editorial future. Her appointment signals a potential shift toward rebuilding trust and credibility in an era where audiences increasingly demand transparency and fairness in news coverage.
The next major test for CBS will come with its political coverage during the 2026 midterm and 2028 presidential elections. How the network adapts to a rapidly changing media environment will likely determine its long-term viability.
Broader Industry Implications
The restructuring at CBS is part of a larger trend in the media industry, where legacy broadcasters are consolidating operations, cutting costs, and reassessing their digital strategies. With Skydance also reportedly pursuing the acquisition of Warner Bros., its growing influence across major media properties could reshape how news and entertainment are produced and delivered in the coming years.
While the layoffs mark a difficult moment for many employees, they also underscore the need for traditional news organizations to evolve—balancing journalistic integrity with financial sustainability in a competitive and fragmented media landscape.