Legendary late-night television host David Letterman has launched a scathing attack on his former network, CBS, branding its news division a complete "wreck" under its current leadership.
Letterman's Blistering Critique
In a video posted to his YouTube channel on Friday, 11 January 2026, the iconic broadcaster did not hold back. David Letterman accused CBS News of abandoning the revered legacy built by figures like Edward R. Murrow. "It was that mentality that drove the integrity of CBS News that has been trampled on, pissed on, and eviscerated by these idiots that have taken it over," he stated angrily.
Letterman expressed personal dismay at the network's direction, saying the situation "really is hurting my feelings." He also dismissed suggestions that upcoming political events could change matters, asserting, "Kids, we're far downstream from the midterms having any effect on this."
Roots of the Controversy: A New Direction for CBS News
The firestorm follows a series of corporate moves that have placed CBS News under intense scrutiny for over a year. Critics allege these decisions have compromised editorial independence to foster a more favourable stance towards the Trump administration.
A pivotal moment came last summer when CBS News's then-parent company settled a lawsuit from Donald Trump concerning the editing of a 60 Minutes segment. This occurred while a crucial merger with Skydance Media, requiring federal approval, was pending. The merger with Skydance, led by David Ellison—son of billionaire Trump supporter Larry Ellison—was finalised in August.
Subsequently, the new leadership appointed Bari Weiss, a conservative commentator and founder of The Free Press, as editor-in-chief of CBS News. Weiss's lack of broadcast television news experience and her publication's frequent criticism of progressive "woke" politics raised immediate concerns.
Internal Backlash and 'State TV' Allegations
Under Weiss's tenure, several controversial editorial decisions have reportedly caused anger within the newsroom, according to staff who spoke to The Independent.
One major incident involved the abrupt pulling of a prepared 60 Minutes investigation into the Trump administration's summary deportation of migrants to a brutal Salvadoran prison. The segment, which included allegations of torture, was cancelled shortly before it was due to air.
Furthermore, the tone of the CBS Evening News has shifted noticeably under anchor Tony Dokoupil. Critics point to moments like Dokoupil's on-air comment that he "salutes" Secretary of State Marco Rubio as evidence of a more flattering approach to the administration. Disturbed staff have likened the recent broadcasts to "state TV."
The network has been contacted for comment regarding Letterman's remarks and the internal criticisms.
