Former CNN anchor Jim Acosta has launched a blistering, expletive-laden attack on CBS News and its evening anchor Tony Dokoupil, accusing the network of becoming part of a "state-compromised media" system in the United States.
A Scathing Critique on Podcast
Acosta, 54, who left CNN last year after reportedly being threatened with a move to an overnight slot, made the incendiary comments during a recent appearance on the 'I've Had It' podcast with host Jennifer Welch. The episode was provocatively titled 'Fascist Frat Party'.
The now-independent journalist argued that American media is profoundly changed, and he pointed to CBS as a prime example. He specifically targeted the network's recent leadership changes, including the appointment of conservative commentator Bari Weiss as editor-in-chief in October and the overarching influence of Paramount CEO David Ellison, a noted ally of former President Donald Trump.
The Final Straw: CBS's Rewritten Principles
Acosta cited CBS's decision to condense its 38-page handbook of principles down to just five core values as a breaking point. One of those new values states, 'We love America. And we make no apologies for saying so.'
"Get the f*** out of here! We all love America! That’s why we’re doing this," an animated Acosta told Welch. "When I saw CBS doing that, I said, 'What the f*** is going on with these people?'"
He elaborated on his central charge, stating, "I think we have a system of state-compromised media in this country. We do not have a free press the way that we did a couple of years ago." Acosta warned that when major media corporations are "under the thumb of the current administration," press freedom is eroded.
Targeting Tony Dokoupil and January 6 Coverage
Acosta's fury was particularly directed at newly promoted CBS Evening News anchor Tony Dokoupil. He lambasted Dokoupil for what he called "both-sides-ing" a report on the January 6 Capitol riots.
"The other night, the anchor on the CBS Evening News, on January 6, is saying 'Well, on one hand the White House is saying that Nancy Pelosi is responsible for January 6, and on the other hand it was the rioter'," Acosta recounted. "No motherf***er, we saw it on Goddamn television!... There is no both sides to that f***ing story!"
He also took issue with Dokoupil ending a recent segment by saying "we salute Marco Rubio" in reference to the Secretary of State's multiple roles. Acosta quipped that legendary CBS anchor Walter Cronkite would be "spinning in his grave."
Context: Ratings, Criticism, and Leadership
Acosta's outburst comes amid a turbulent period for CBS News. Dokoupil's recent soft interview with Donald Trump, during which the former president joked about helping him get the job, drew significant criticism from liberals online for a lack of pushback.
In terms of viewership, Dokoupil's first week as permanent anchor averaged 4.17 million viewers, a 23 percent drop from the comparable week in 2025 under previous anchor Norah O’Donnell. The show also saw a similar decline in the key 25-54 demographic.
The network has faced other controversies, including Weiss's decision to pull a 60 Minutes episode about an El Salvadoran prison used for Venezuelan migrants.
Acosta concluded that the success of independent platforms like podcasts is a direct reaction to this "pandering and nonsense" in mainstream media, claiming the public can "sniff this out."
