Dan Rather Criticizes CBS News Management Changes
The former news anchor voices disapproval following recent leadership shifts at the long-standing network.
Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in People
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Former CBS evening news anchor Dan Rather has publicly criticized the current management at CBS News. This tension arises as the network undergoes significant leadership changes.
Why it matters
The dispute highlights ongoing friction within major legacy media organizations as they navigate shifts in corporate control and editorial strategy.
Paramount paid $150 million to acquire The Free Press as part of a strategy that included appointing a new editor-in-chief for CBS News. This investment follows a prior election interference lawsuit settlement with President Donald Trump.
The players
Dan Rather
He is a veteran journalist who served as the anchor of the CBS Evening News for over two decades.
David Ellison
He is the CEO of Skydance Media who gained controlling interest in CBS through a recent corporate merger.
Bari Weiss
She is a journalist and founder of The Free Press who was appointed as the editor-in-chief of CBS News.
Donald Trump
He is the current President of the United States who previously reached a legal settlement regarding election interference with CBS News.
The details
Following a merger that granted Skydance Media CEO David Ellison control of CBS in 2025, Paramount appointed Bari Weiss as editor-in-chief of CBS News. A CBS News insider has since disputed the validity of the criticisms leveled by Rather.
Timeline
Dan Rather stepped down as CBS evening news anchor in 2005.
Dan Rather left the CBS network in 2006.
David Ellison acquired control of CBS in 2025.
Bari Weiss was named editor-in-chief of CBS News in 2025.
Market Landscape
This management shift reflects a broader trend of consolidation in legacy media, mirroring the instability seen in the wake of the CBS News election interference lawsuit settlement with Donald Trump. The move underscores the intense competition for editorial direction in a polarized landscape.
Viewers may notice shifts in editorial tone and programming priorities as the network adjusts to its new leadership structure. These corporate changes could eventually influence the selection of topics covered during daily broadcasts.
The takeaway
Leadership changes at major media networks often invite public critique from past figures who remain invested in the institution's legacy. Readers should monitor future programming to see if these management changes translate into measurable shifts in coverage.
Further reading
For more information on industry personnel shifts, visit the People section.
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