Conservative analysts criticize CBS News shakeup as 'fundamental lie'

Analysts say media companies are now seen as vehicles for appeasing Trump, not serving audiences

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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Two conservative analysts, Tim Miller and Jonathan Last, exposed what they call the "fundamental lie" behind the recent shakeup at CBS News during a podcast interview. They argued the acquisition of The Free Press by Paramount Skydance and the installation of Bari Weiss as Editor-in-Chief at CBS News reveals that media companies are now seen as vehicles for appeasing President Donald Trump, rather than serving their audiences.

Why it matters

This analysis provides insight into how some conservatives view recent changes in the media landscape, suggesting that media companies are prioritizing political agendas over serving their audiences and maintaining journalistic integrity.

The details

According to the analysts, the changes at CBS News and other media outlets like the Washington Post are not about improving business performance or shaking up stagnant operations. Instead, they argue the real motivation is to signal to the "strongman" (i.e. Trump) that these companies are deserving of government favors and contracts, even if it means the media properties lose money.

  • The podcast interview with the conservative analysts took place on Tuesday, February 18, 2026.

The players

Tim Miller

Host of "The Bulwark Podcast" and a conservative analyst who criticized the CBS News shakeup.

Jonathan Last

A writer at The Bulwark and a conservative analyst who joined Miller in criticizing the CBS News shakeup.

Bari Weiss

The newly installed Editor-in-Chief at CBS News following the acquisition of The Free Press by Paramount Skydance.

Jeff Bezos

The owner of the Washington Post, which the analysts suggest is more focused on securing government contracts for Blue Origin than on the Post's financial performance.

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What they’re saying

“It does not matter to the Ellisons at all what the ratings are on CBS Evening News and how much money CBS News loses as a division or makes as a division. ... And same with the Washington Post. Jeff Bezos doesn't give a s--- what the Washington Post loses or makes as a business. What he cares about is Blue Origin.”

— Jonathan Last, Writer, The Bulwark (The Bulwark Podcast)

“They want to make it seem like that's what's happening because what they're actually doing is corruption.”

— Tim Miller, Host, "The Bulwark Podcast" (The Bulwark Podcast)

The takeaway

This analysis suggests that some conservatives view recent changes in the media landscape, such as the CBS News shakeup, as being driven more by political agendas and corruption than by a genuine desire to improve journalistic quality or business performance. It highlights the growing divide in how different political factions perceive the motivations behind media consolidation and leadership changes.