Scott MacFarlane, a prominent justice correspondent for CBS News, announced his departure from the network on Monday. In an email to colleagues, MacFarlane stated that the decision was his own and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to work with talented professionals at CBS.
Key Takeaways
Scott MacFarlane has announced his departure from CBS News after five years with the network. The move comes amid broader changes at CBS News under new editor-in-chief Bari Weiss.
- Scott MacFarlane leaves CBS News citing personal career goals
- MacFarlane covered Congress and the Justice Department for CBS News
- Departure follows Paramount's acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery
- CBS News faces internal upheaval with multiple staff departures
The move comes amid broader changes at CBS News under new editor-in-chief Bari Weiss, who was appointed in October 2023. Weiss, a former opinion writer and founder of The Free Press, has been tasked with moving the network's editorial direction to the political center.
MacFarlane joined CBS News in 2019 after serving as an investigative reporter for WRC-TV, the NBC station in Washington, D.C. During his tenure at CBS, he covered significant events such as the January 6 Capitol insurrection and the federal cases that followed. He also reported on the assassination attempt of President Trump in July 2024.
According to sources familiar with MacFarlane's thinking, he was unhappy with the network's handling of the fifth anniversary of the January 6 attack. CBS Evening News briefly reported on the anniversary, presenting it as a difference of opinion between President Trump and Democratic leaders in Congress. MacFarlane had covered over 1,600 federal cases related to the Capitol siege.
MacFarlane's departure is part of a larger wave of changes at CBS News following Paramount's acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery. The network is expected to be combined with CNN if the deal receives regulatory approval. Other recent departures include Shawna Thomas, executive producer of CBS Mornings, and several producers from CBS Evening News.
Bari Weiss has faced criticism for her leadership style and editorial direction. Some staff members have expressed concerns about pressure to self-censor and a shift towards 'heterodox' journalism. Weiss has defended her approach, stating that the network needs to evolve to remain competitive.
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