CBS News Layoffs Hit ‘CBS Mornings’ and ‘Evening News’ Streaming

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ago 3 hours

CBS News Layoffs Hit ‘CBS Mornings’ and ‘Evening News’ Streaming

Recent layoffs at Paramount have significantly affected CBS News, targeting multiple segments of the division. These cuts have led to the cancellation of both CBS Mornings Plus and CBS Evening News Plus, the streaming extensions of CBS’s flagship news programs.

Impact on CBS News Programming

Source reports confirm that notable changes will take place in the CBS Mornings and CBS Evening News segments. CBS Mornings Plus, hosted by Tony Dokoupil and Adriana Diaz, will no longer air. Similarly, CBS Evening News Plus, previously led by John Dickerson, is also being discontinued. Dickerson announced his departure from CBS News earlier this week.

Restructuring CBS Mornings

Furthermore, the Saturday edition of CBS Mornings will undergo a major format overhaul. Staffing will combine with the weekday team to streamline operations and enhance overall efficiency.

Closure of International Bureau

In another major shift, CBS News will close its Johannesburg bureau. Oversight of the region will transition to the London bureau, marking a significant reduction in international presence. This trend reflects a broader industry pattern, where many networks have cut foreign bureaus due to restructuring and budget constraints.

Streaming Challenges

Despite increasing investments in streaming, CBS has faced difficulties in monetizing these platforms. Viewership for these services has remained relatively low compared to traditional television, raising questions about their sustainability.

Recent Leadership Changes

The restructuring coincides with the recent appointment of Bari Weiss and Tom Cibrowski to leadership positions in the CBS News division. During a recent editorial call, Weiss acknowledged the challenges faced by the team, labeling the day as “difficult” for CBS News staff.

Statements from Leadership

David Ellison, Paramount’s CEO, addressed staff regarding the layoffs, indicating that they were necessary for aligning the organization with its evolving priorities. He stressed that such difficult decisions were essential for ensuring Paramount’s long-term success.