CBS News' Scott MacFarlane Announces Departure Amid Network Changes

The Justice Correspondent is leaving the network to pursue more independent work.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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Scott MacFarlane, a CBS News Justice Correspondent, has announced his departure from the network. MacFarlane's exit comes amid significant leadership changes at CBS News, including the appointment of Bari Weiss as editor-in-chief. MacFarlane stated that he is looking forward to 'some independence' and 'finding new spaces' to share his work in line with his 'personal goals'.

Why it matters

MacFarlane's departure is the latest in a series of high-profile exits from CBS News since Weiss took over as editor-in-chief. The changes at the network have raised concerns about a potential shift in editorial direction and the departure of experienced journalists.

The details

During his four-plus years at CBS News, MacFarlane covered major stories, including the January 6 Capitol riot and an assassination attempt on former President Trump. His announcement of his departure came as a surprise to many of his colleagues. The changes at CBS News under Weiss' leadership have included firings, hirings, promotions, and the pulling of certain stories, leading to criticism that the network is moving in a more MAGA-friendly direction.

  • MacFarlane announced his departure from CBS News on March 9, 2026.
  • Bari Weiss was appointed as CBS News' editor-in-chief in October 2025.

The players

Scott MacFarlane

A CBS News Justice Correspondent who has announced his departure from the network to pursue more independent work.

Bari Weiss

The co-founder of The Free Press who was appointed as CBS News' editor-in-chief in October 2025.

David Ellison

The CEO of Paramount Skydance, the parent company of CBS News.

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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 Justice Correspondent (X)

“It's a free country, and I completely respect if you decide I'm not the right leader for you, or this isn't the right place at the right time.”

— Bari Weiss, CBS News Editor-in-Chief (CBS News)

The takeaway

MacFarlane's departure is the latest in a series of high-profile exits from CBS News, raising concerns about the network's editorial direction under Bari Weiss' leadership. The changes at CBS News have led to criticism that the network is moving in a more MAGA-friendly direction, potentially alienating experienced journalists and their loyal viewers.