CBS News Loses Another Top Reporter Under Bari Weiss

Justice correspondent Scott MacFarlane announces departure, following exit of Anderson Cooper

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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CBS News justice correspondent Scott MacFarlane announced he is leaving the network, marking another high-profile departure following the exit of Anderson Cooper. MacFarlane, who has covered justice issues for CBS since 2021, said his decision was his own, but credited CBS leadership for understanding his choice as he seeks independence and new platforms aligned with his career goals.

Why it matters

The departures of MacFarlane and Cooper come after conservative commentator Bari Weiss was named editor-in-chief of CBS News by network chief David Ellison following Paramount Skydance's takeover. This raises questions about the network's editorial direction and whether Weiss' appointment has led to an exodus of veteran journalists.

The details

MacFarlane, a Washington D.C.-based reporter with more than 20 years of experience, said in a statement to colleagues that his work will 'soon no longer appear on CBS News.' He expressed pride in his time as a CBS correspondent and emphasized his commitment to continuing journalism, indicating he is seeking independence and new platforms aligned with his career goals.

  • On March 9, 2026, MacFarlane announced his departure from CBS News.

The players

Scott MacFarlane

A CBS News justice correspondent who has covered justice issues for the network since 2021.

Bari Weiss

A conservative commentator who was named editor-in-chief of CBS News by network chief David Ellison following Paramount Skydance's takeover.

Anderson Cooper

A high-profile CBS News anchor who recently departed the network.

David Ellison

The CBS News network chief who appointed Bari Weiss as editor-in-chief following Paramount Skydance's takeover.

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What they’re saying

“My work will 'soon no longer appear on CBS News,'”

— Scott MacFarlane, CBS News Justice Correspondent (CBS News)

The takeaway

The departures of high-profile journalists like MacFarlane and Cooper raise concerns about the editorial direction of CBS News under the leadership of Bari Weiss, a conservative commentator. This could signal a shift in the network's journalism and the types of stories and perspectives it chooses to prioritize.