Change at CBS News as Standards Chief Steps Down

The head of CBS News’ standards and practices division, who was involved in some recent controversial coverage, is resigning. This shift comes as Bari Weiss, the new editor-in-chief, aims to foster a more balanced approach at the network, which many perceive as leaning left.

Claudia Milne, who managed CBS’s programming with an emphasis on moral, ethical, and legal considerations, is the first high-ranking executive to depart since Weiss took her position earlier this month. Although her position had been “phasing out,” CBS officials indicated that her leaving is noteworthy.

Some have characterized Milne’s departure as a signal of editorial change at CBS, with one source even suggesting it might be Weiss’s first significant move. “She was part of the woke mob at CBS News,” the source mentioned.

In her farewell comments to colleagues, Milne reflected on the complexities facing both the company and the country, stating, “What we do matters most.” She emphasized the role of journalists in holding power accountable.

Milne had been at the helm since 2021 and was instrumental in several contentious decisions. These include coverage of the Nashville shooting involving a transgender shooter, and various stances during the Israel-Hamas conflict.

Previously, there was considerable backlash when Milne and then-news president Ingrid Cyprian-Matthews prohibited the use of the term “transgender” in reporting about the Nashville incident. The decision was widely criticized since the authorities identified the shooter, Audrey Hale, as a transgender woman. Critics claimed that withholding such crucial information deviated from journalistic standards.

Additionally, Milne was involved in efforts to prevent former CBS correspondent Katherine Herridge from interviewing Elon Musk when he acquired a social media platform. Herridge recalled that the opportunity to interview Musk arose unexpectedly, and CBS executives hesitated because they were concerned about what he might say.

Milne’s influence was also evident when co-host Tony Dokoupil faced criticism following a contentious interview with author Ta-Nehisi Coates, who controversially compared Israel to an apartheid state. During a staff meeting, it was stated that Dokoupil’s approach did not align with the station’s editorial standards for neutrality.

The new ownership of CBS, having merged with Skydance in August, is working to address Federal Communications Commission worries regarding perceived liberal bias. Recent changes at the network include hiring Weiss and appointing Kenneth Weinstein as ombudsman, which have further diminished the authority of the standards department.

In 2025, Susan Zirinsky will take over the standards division on an interim basis as CBS responds to concerns about bias. Al Ortiz, a former standards executive, will also oversee coverage for “60 Minutes.”