Dan Rather's withering criticism of CBS 'doesn't reflect reality,' network insider says

Former CBS News anchor blasted his former employer that's now under the leadership of lightning rod editor-in-chief Bari Weiss, raising the eyebrows of a network insider who doesnt think the criticism reflects "reality."

Rather, who famously stepped down from his role as CBS evening news anchor in 2005 and eventually left the network the following year after reporting a discredited story about then-President George W. Bush, joined a variety of liberal media watchdogs who have spoken out against Weiss over the past year.

"Whats happened at CBS News is sad," Rather told Variety.

"It is in many ways a disaster, not just for the people who work at CBS News — and theres still a lot of really good people working there," Rather continued. "But 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."

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Rather also suggested that President Donald Trump has forced change at CBS News, as Skydance Media CEO David Ellison took control of the network last year through a long-planned merger that was approved shortly after CBS agreed to settle an election interference lawsuit with the president.

"Donald Trump has expressed his extreme dislike for 60 Minutes. So now, hes gotten his way," Rather said. "He cleared the way for a consolidation of corporate power, which in turn cleared the way for doing whats been done to 60 Minutes. The wreckage of CBS News is everywhere and continues to this moment. I dont see how to stop it."

While anonymous CBS News staffers have objected to changes made under Weiss, newsletters aimed at progressive audiences have regularly attacked her. Other former CBS News stars, such as Scott Pelley, have spoken out against Weiss, but not everyone inside the network agrees with Rather.

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"Id point out that his criticism doesn't reflect reality," a CBS News insider told .

"Going further, 60 Minutes has done critical stories about the Trump Administration throughout this season," the insider added.

Indeed, CBS "60 Minutes" has aired several stories that were critical of the Trump administration, including the story of people deported to countries they are not from, a look at the "pardon economy" and a report on the federal government inserting itself in elections.

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CBS parent company, Paramount, named Weiss the editor-in-chief of CBS News in 2025 following the companys acquisition of The Free Press for $150 million. The hiring infuriated liberal journalists and media figures, as Weiss outlet has made waves for supporting Israel and challenging DEI and gender ideology.

CBS News declined comment.

Rather also told Variety he wasnt familiar with Weiss before she took control of CBS News even though he criticized the network for hiring her only days after