CBS News Mulls Major Layoffs, Potentially Cutting 15% of Staff

Variety reports the news division is considering significant workforce reductions.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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According to a report from Variety, CBS News is considering a new round of layoffs that could result in cuts totaling at least 15% of the current staff. The discussions around potential layoffs and staff reductions remain fluid, and CBS News has declined to make executives available for comment.

Why it matters

As the media industry continues to face economic challenges, major news organizations like CBS News are being forced to reevaluate their staffing and operations. Significant layoffs could impact the network's ability to deliver comprehensive news coverage and lead to concerns about the future of journalism.

The details

Variety's report, citing three people familiar with the matter, indicates that CBS News is weighing a new round of layoffs that could see cuts of at least 15% of the current staff. The discussions around these potential layoffs and staff reductions remain fluid, and CBS News has declined to make executives available for comment on the situation.

  • The report was published on February 12, 2026.

The players

CBS News

A major American news division that is part of the CBS Corporation.

Variety

An American media industry magazine and website that reported on the potential CBS News layoffs.

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The takeaway

The potential layoffs at CBS News reflect the ongoing challenges facing the media industry, as news organizations are forced to make difficult decisions to adapt to changing economic conditions. The impact of these cuts could be significant, raising concerns about the future of journalism and the ability of major news outlets to provide comprehensive coverage.