Megyn Kelly Critiques CBS News’ Efforts
Megyn Kelly recently criticized CBS News for trying to rekindle interest in its evening broadcast. On social media, she intensified her ongoing dispute with the network’s editor-in-chief, Bari Weiss, proclaiming that traditional media is essentially “dead.”
In response to a post about the new anchor of the “CBS Evening News,” Tony Dokoupil, Kelly stated, “Nothing is going to happen at CBS.” She emphasized that legacy media has been irrelevant for quite a while, noting that CBS hasn’t effectively attracted evening viewers in over a decade. “It’s not reversible,” she added.
Her candid remarks came just before Dokoupil was set to take the helm as the main anchor on Monday night.
Dokoupil has expressed a commitment to restoring trust with the audience. Since taking over as chief executive in October, Weiss has implemented some controversial changes aimed at revitalizing the network.
He acknowledged longstanding critiques from conservatives about the media, pointing out that news organizations often overlook everyday Americans in favor of more elite perspectives. “Too much reporting causes the news media to miss the story,” Dokoupil stated, suggesting a reliance on advocates and academics instead of the audience itself.
He promised that under his leadership, viewers would come first—not advertisers, politicians, or corporate interests, which includes those who own CBS.
Kelly, however, seems unconvinced, framing CBS’s difficulties as part of a larger decline in traditional media.
Notably, her comments mark a shift from her previous support for Weiss, who she had once viewed as a potential savior for the network.
The discord became more pronounced after an event last month where conservative figure Ben Shapiro criticized fellow conservatives for endorsing conspiracy theories, directly mentioning Kelly. He specifically took issue with her stance on claims made by Candace Owens following the death of Turning Point founder Charlie Kirk.
Weiss later shared Shapiro’s full remarks on her platform, underlining that tolerating conspiracy theorists reflects cowardice.
In response, Kelly pointedly remarked, “I was informed that revealing the unvarnished truth about a friend’s flaws while refraining from condemnation is cowardly.” She continued, saying, “So my days of being a polite friend to her are over. And more truth is coming.”
The ongoing conflict has evolved into a larger debate surrounding Israel, anti-Semitism, and free speech within the right. Kelly has accused Weiss and Shapiro of enforcing ideological conformity, while Weiss’s supporters contend that Kelly is promoting dangerous rhetoric.
Attempts to reach Kelly, Weiss, Dokoupil, and CBS News for comments have been made.
