Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Scott MacFarlane Exits CBS News During Weiss-Led Overhaul

The departure comes during a Bari Weiss-led repositioning after the Paramount–Skydance merger.

Overview

  • MacFarlane announced on X and LinkedIn that his work will soon no longer appear on CBS News, calling the move his decision and saying he wants more independence.
  • The justice correspondent joined in 2021 and became known for chronicling the Jan. 6 prosecutions and reporting first from the 2024 Butler, Pennsylvania, shooting scene.
  • Variety reported that his exit surprised many colleagues, citing a person familiar with the matter.
  • He follows other notable departures since Weiss was installed by CEO David Ellison, including 60 Minutes correspondent Anderson Cooper and producers Alicia Hastey and Shawna Thomas.
  • Deadline reported newsroom chatter that a roughly 15% staff reduction could follow prior buyouts and layoffs, a prospect not confirmed by CBS.