Legendary television host David Letterman has launched a scathing critique against the current leadership of CBS News, labeling the historic division a "wreck" and its new executives "idiots." In a video shared on his YouTube page on Friday, the former late-night king condemned the network's recent rightward shift, pointing a finger at parent company Paramount's CEO, David Ellison, and the newly appointed editor-in-chief of CBS News, conservative journalist Bari Weiss.
A Legacy Trampled, According to Letterman
Letterman anchored his criticism in the storied history of CBS News, specifically invoking the legacy of legendary journalist Edward R. Murrow. He referenced Murrow's iconic broadcasts from London during the Blitz in World War II as the gold standard for the network's integrity. "It was that mentality that drove the integrity of CBS News that has been trampled on, pissed on and eviscerated by these idiots that have taken it over," Letterman stated bluntly in the clip.
He is not alone in his disapproval. Letterman joins a growing list of former CBS personalities who have publicly criticized the network's apparent conservative tilt in recent months. His latest comments come on the heels of his fierce reaction last July to CBS's controversial decision to cancel "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert," a franchise Letterman himself originated over thirty years ago.
Controversial Changes and Cancellations
That cancellation, which many observers linked to political pressure as Paramount sought regulatory approval for a merger with Skydance Media from the Trump administration, was labeled "gutless" by Letterman. CBS maintained the move was "purely a financial decision." Since the installation of its new leadership, CBS News has faced significant backlash for several editorial actions.
These controversial moves include pulling a "60 Minutes" segment that was critical of the Trump administration and dramatically condensing the guiding principles for the "CBS Evening News." The network whittled down a 38-page handbook to "five simple values," one of which emphasizes a love for America. Furthermore, new permanent anchor Tony Dokoupil faced a rocky start and criticism for what some perceived as overly favorable treatment of Secretary of State Marco Rubio and for presenting a "both-sides" narrative regarding the deadly January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol.
The Broader Impact on Media Integrity
Letterman's forceful condemnation highlights a deepening concern among media veterans about the influence of corporate and political interests on journalistic independence. By framing his argument around the erosion of a legacy built by figures like Murrow, he positions the current changes at CBS News not as mere editorial shifts but as a fundamental breach of trust. The ongoing scrutiny suggests that the network's new direction will continue to be a flashpoint in debates about media bias, ownership, and the future of broadcast journalism.
The public rebuke from a figure of Letterman's stature adds considerable weight to the criticism and puts ongoing pressure on CBS News leadership to defend its editorial choices and its commitment to non-partisan reporting.
