CBS News Faces Backlash Over Ideological Shift Under New Leadership

Producers and staff raise concerns about stories being evaluated based on 'ideological expectations' rather than journalistic merit.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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Producer Alicia Hastey has departed CBS News, citing that the work she came to do was 'increasingly becoming impossible' as stories were now evaluated 'not just on their journalistic merit but on whether they conform to a shifting set of ideological expectations.' This comes after Bari Weiss, the new editor-in-chief at CBS News, unveiled her '21st century' vision at a town hall meeting, where she told producers and staff they were free to leave if they didn't like it. Since then, at least six out of 20 'CBS Evening News' producers have accepted buyouts.

Why it matters

The changes at CBS News under Weiss's leadership raise concerns about the network's commitment to independent, fact-based journalism. The departure of experienced producers and the appointment of contributors with controversial backgrounds suggest a shift towards a more ideologically-driven news agenda, which could undermine the credibility and trust in CBS News as a reliable source of information.

The details

Weiss has replaced 'Evening News' anchors John Dickerson and Maurice DuBois with Tony Dokoupil, who was previously known for 'hassling the writer Ta-Nehisi Coates for his 'extremist' belief that apartheid is morally wrong.' Weiss also faced backlash in December when she shelved a '60 Minutes' report about Venezuelans being deported by the Trump administration to El Salvador's notorious CECOT prison, with the '60 Minutes' correspondent Sharyn Alfonsi accusing CBS News of pulling the story for 'political' reasons.

  • On February 13, 2026, producer Alicia Hastey departed CBS News.
  • In December 2025, Weiss shelved a '60 Minutes' report about Venezuelans being deported by the Trump administration.
  • In January 2026, the '60 Minutes' report about Venezuelans being deported aired, drawing over 5 million viewers.

The players

Alicia Hastey

A producer who departed CBS News, citing that the work she came to do was 'increasingly becoming impossible' as stories were now evaluated 'not just on their journalistic merit but on whether they conform to a shifting set of ideological expectations.'

Bari Weiss

The new editor-in-chief at CBS News who unveiled a '21st century' vision at a town hall meeting, telling producers and staff they were free to leave if they didn't like it.

Tony Dokoupil

The new anchor of the 'CBS Evening News' who was previously known for 'hassling the writer Ta-Nehisi Coates for his 'extremist' belief that apartheid is morally wrong.'

Sharyn Alfonsi

A long-standing '60 Minutes' correspondent who reported a segment about Venezuelans being deported by the Trump administration, and accused CBS News of pulling the story for 'political' reasons.

Donald Trump

The former president who is seen as wielding influence over CBS News through his connections to the network's new owner, Larry Ellison.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.