Overview
- In a video from his appearance on the Barbara Gaines Show, Letterman called the people running CBS News “idiots” and declared the news division “a wreck.”
- The remarks come after Paramount’s merger with Skydance and the ascent of CEO David Ellison, whose influence critics link to a rightward shift at CBS News.
- Recent leadership and staffing changes include installing Bari Weiss as editor in chief and elevating Tony Dokoupil to anchor, with his first week drawing criticism over tone and framing.
- Editorial decisions under fire include pulling a critical 60 Minutes segment and reducing the CBS Evening News handbook to five values that include “love for America.”
- Letterman has also condemned Paramount’s $60 million settlement with President Donald Trump and joins other former CBS figures raising alarms about the network’s direction.