Dan Rather delivered a blistering verdict on CBS News, calling his former employer a “disaster” under its new ownership. The veteran journalist blamed billionaire corporate power and Donald Trump’sinfluence for changes he believed threatened independent journalism.
He spent 44 years at the network, making his criticism particularly pointed as CBS underwent a major leadership shakeup. His remarks followed David Ellison’s 2025 merger of Skydance Media with Paramount Global, CBS’s parent company, and Bari Weiss’s appointment as editor-in-chief.
The CBS News legend blasts corporate power and Trump’s influence
In an October 26 interview with Variety, Rather argued that the network’s direction reflected a troubling alliance between wealthy owners and political power. He acknowledged that talented journalists remained at CBS but questioned who ultimately benefited from its transformation.
“This is a further example of big billionaire corporate power in bed with powerful people and the presidency to get control of these operations for their benefit,” he said.
Rather also accused Trump of getting his way after repeatedly expressing hostility toward 60 Minutes. He argued that corporate consolidation had enabled changes to the newsmagazine, which he once considered among television’s finest investigative operations.
“The wreckage of CBS News is everywhere, and continues to this moment. I don’t see how to stop it,” Rather said.
He was equally blunt about Weiss, suggesting her leadership had pushed CBS toward “a version of Fox News, perhaps a little more palatable.” He also criticized the circumstances surrounding her appointment after her company, The Free Press, received a multimillion-dollar deal.
The shakeup also cost CBS prominent correspondents Scott Pelley and Sharyn Alfonsi. He admired Pelley’s willingness to speak out despite the professional consequences.
Rather’s concerns extended beyond one network. His documentary, Rather, examined his career, journalism’s changing landscape and growing threats to press freedom. The 2023 film became available free on YouTube on October 26, with producers hoping to reach wider audiences during Free Speech Week.
“I hope that this documentary may, in some pretty small way, help underscore the importance of defending the First Amendment and freedom of the press,” Rather told Variety.
With the 2026 midterm elections approaching, he also highlighted the stakes for American democracy. “If freedom of the press dies, democracy dies,” he warned, arguing that independent journalism remained essential to holding powerful people accountable.
