CBS News' Scott MacFarlane exits in latest network shake-up

Correspondent says he 'looks forward to some independence' after departure

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

CBS News correspondent Scott MacFarlane announced his surprise exit from the network, saying he looks forward to 'some independence' in the latest shake-up under editor-in-chief Bari Weiss. MacFarlane, who joined CBS in 2021 as a justice correspondent, was a frequent contributor to the network's morning and evening reports, covering major news events. His departure comes amid other high-profile exits from CBS News since Weiss took over, including the executive producer of 'CBS Mornings' and a producer who accused the Weiss-led newsroom of pressuring staffers to 'self-censor'.

Why it matters

MacFarlane's exit is the latest in a series of shake-ups at CBS News under Bari Weiss' leadership, which has faced backlash for her efforts to bring more conservative voices to the network. The departures of several key figures, including producers and anchors, raise questions about the direction of CBS News and its ability to maintain journalistic integrity amid the changes.

The details

In a note to CBS staffers, MacFarlane said his 'work will soon no longer appear on CBS News' and that he is looking forward to 'some independence and finding new spaces to share my work in line with my personal goals.' MacFarlane joined CBS News in 2021 after spending eight years at NBC Washington as an investigative reporter. He was a frequent contributor to CBS News' morning and evening reports, covering major news events like the January 6th Capitol attack and the assassination attempt on former President Trump.

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

The players

Scott MacFarlane

A CBS News correspondent who announced his surprise exit from the network, saying he looks forward to 'some independence' in the latest shake-up under editor-in-chief Bari Weiss.

Bari Weiss

The editor-in-chief of CBS News who has faced backlash for her efforts to bring more conservative voices to the network, leading to the departures of several key figures.

Tom Cibrowski

The CBS News president who announced MacFarlane's exit during a meeting with staff.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“To my incredible colleagues at CBS: I want to personally let you know that my work will soon no longer appear on CBS News. This is my decision, and I appreciate the bosses at CBS for understanding it.”

— Scott MacFarlane, CBS News Correspondent (Social Media)

“For the next phase of my career, I look forward to some independence and finding new spaces to share my work in line with my personal goals ... The work will not stop, and I'll always be a call away.”

— Scott MacFarlane, CBS News Correspondent (Social Media)

What’s next

It is unclear if CBS News will fill MacFarlane's role or if there will be further staffing changes under Bari Weiss' leadership.

The takeaway

MacFarlane's departure is the latest in a series of high-profile exits from CBS News since Bari Weiss took over as editor-in-chief, raising concerns about the network's journalistic integrity and direction under her leadership.