Dan Rather Criticizes CBS News Leadership; Insider Disputes Claims

Former CBS News anchor Dan Rather has voiced strong criticism of his former employer, describing the network under the leadership of editor-in-chief Bari Weiss as "a disaster." However, a CBS News insider has pushed back against Rather's assessment, stating that his criticisms "doesn't reflect reality."

Rather, who departed CBS in 2006 after a controversial story regarding then-President George W. Bush, expressed his concerns in a recent interview. "What’s happened at CBS News is sad," Rather told Variety. "It is in many ways a disaster, not just for the people who work at CBS News — and there’s still a lot of really good people working there. But this is a further example of big billionaire corporate power in bed with powerful people and the presidency to get control of these operations for their benefit."

He further suggested that former President Donald Trump influenced changes at CBS News, particularly following the merger that brought Skydance Media CEO David Ellison in control of the network. "Donald Trump has expressed his extreme dislike for ’60 Minutes.’ So now, he’s gotten his way," Rather stated. "He cleared the way for a consolidation of corporate power, which in turn cleared the way for doing what’s been done to ’60 Minutes.’ The wreckage of CBS News is everywhere and continues to this moment. I don’t see how to stop it."

Rather's remarks align with criticism from some liberal media watchdogs and former CBS News figures. However, the unnamed CBS insider countered these points, telling Fox News Digital, "I’d point out that his criticism doesn't reflect reality."

The insider further stated that "60 Minutes" has continued to produce critical reporting on the Trump administration throughout the current season. Examples cited include segments on individuals deported to incorrect countries, the "pardon economy," and federal government involvement in elections.

Bari Weiss was appointed editor-in-chief of CBS News in 2025, following Paramount's acquisition of her outlet, The Free Press, for $150 million. Her appointment drew criticism from some journalists and media figures due to The Free Press's stance on issues such as support for Israel and challenges to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives and gender ideology.

Despite his criticisms, Rather acknowledged in his Variety interview that he was not familiar with Weiss before her appointment. He had previously written on his Substack that the American public and CBS News journalists would suffer consequences, asserting that journalists would be unable to serve as credible watchdogs when those they are meant to scrutinize are influencing their work.

CBS News declined to comment on the matter.