Additional Coverage:
- CBS Evening News producer ‘quits’ and leaves fiery note slamming the network’s’ sweeping new vision’ (irishstar.com)
CBS Producer Exits, Cites “Sweeping New Vision” Prioritizing Ideology Over Journalistic Merit
New York, NY – A producer for CBS Evening News, Alicia Hastey, has announced her departure from the network, citing concerns over a “sweeping new vision” that she believes prioritizes ideological conformity over traditional journalistic merit. Hastey’s farewell letter, shared publicly by New York Times media reporter Ben Mullin, details her decision to accept a buyout from the broadcaster amidst a period of significant change for CBS.
The network has been undergoing a series of transformations since its parent company, Paramount, merged with Skydance Media last year, culminating in the appointment of Bari Weiss as CBS News editor-in-chief last October.
In her parting message, Hastey wrote, “There has been a sweeping new vision prioritizing a break from traditional broadcast norms to embrace what has been described as ‘heterodox’ journalism.” She further elaborated that “stories may be instead be evaluated not just on their journalistic merit but on whether they conform to a shifting set of ideological expectations – a dynamic that pressures producers and reporters to self-censor or avoid challenging narratives that might trigger backlash or unfavorable headlines.”
Despite her criticisms of the new direction, Hastey was quick to commend the remaining journalists at CBS News, stating that their “talent” is undiminished. She praised their ability to produce “thoughtful and important work, even under difficult circumstances,” adding that “the very excellence we seek to sustain is hindered by fear and uncertainty.”
According to reports from Variety, approximately 11 of the CBS Evening News’s roughly 40 production staff members have opted to take buyouts. These offers were extended to non-union employees in late January, shortly after Weiss reportedly held an all-staff meeting to outline her strategy for the news division, suggesting that those who found her approach “not your bag” should consider leaving.
Weiss’s appointment as editor-in-chief followed the merger of Paramount and Skydance Media in August 2025, with David Ellison, owner of Skydance Media, tapping the controversial journalist for the role as part of a deal that saw CBS acquire her media company, The Free Press. Since her leadership began, CBS has seen the debut of a new evening show, also titled CBS Evening News, hosted by Tony Dokoupil, which experienced technical issues on its inaugural broadcast on January 5.
Weiss has faced criticism for her leadership and the perceived reshaping of CBS, with some observers suggesting the network is moving towards a style reminiscent of Fox News. Her decision to pull a 60 Minutes segment concerning Venezuelan migrants deported to an El Salvadoran prison also drew significant backlash.
CBS representatives have been contacted for comment.