Paramount Plans Layoffs of Over 2,000 Staff Across CBS News, Networks

CBS News is undergoing significant layoffs as part of a broader restructuring by its parent company, Paramount, which aims to cut over 2,000 jobs across various divisions. New Editor-in-Chief Bari Weiss, appointed by Paramount's owner David Ellison, acknowledged the difficult period ahead, with about 100 CBS News employees losing their jobs, including prominent anchors like Michelle Miller and Dana Jacobson, and potentially Gayle King. The cuts have also led to the cancellation of CBS streaming shows and the disbanding of the network's race and culture unit, sparking controversy over accusations of race-based layoffs. These layoffs were planned prior to Weiss's arrival but align with Ellison's agenda to eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion policies and reshape the network's editorial direction. Paramount frames the layoffs as necessary to eliminate redundancies and refocus on growth, following its merger with Skydance Media. The shake-up reflects ongoing challenges for CBS News, which has struggled with declining viewership amid accusations of political bias under previous leadership.