CBS News has let go of its London bureau chief, Claire Day, following disagreements with editor-in-chief Bari Weiss regarding the network’s coverage of Iran and Gaza, according to reports.
As part of this shift, CBS has appointed Shaindy Reis from the Wall Street Journal to oversee all international reporting, with a new base in London starting May 11.
Tom Cybrowski, CBS News President, explained in an internal memo that this change would introduce a foreign editor role to manage global coverage.
Day, who is set to depart the network on May 1, was acknowledged for her storytelling dedication and contributions to CBS News.
Sources have indicated that internal tensions about the Middle East coverage have been escalating in the London bureau. Allegations included a freelance photographer claiming that Day operated the bureau like a “Hamas cell.”
When announcing her resignation, Day requested a cameraman—identified to have a close connection to Weiss—to leave the room before delivering an emotional farewell and expressing appreciation to her team.
While an internal investigation regarding potential bias found no wrongdoing on Day’s part, neither she nor CBS News has issued any comments on the matter.
Day had served as the London bureau chief for two years and has spent two decades at CBS News. She had reportedly experienced friction with Weiss, who has openly identified as a Zionist.
It was noted that Day had stopped returning Weiss’s calls about coverage matters, while sources indicated that Weiss had minimally interacted with her regarding those concerns.
An insider mentioned that editorial meetings remained uneventful, but emphasized Day’s commitment to balanced reporting.
One colleague expressed disappointment over Day’s departure, highlighting her long-standing dedication and criticizing the decision-makers for what they termed an arbitrary dismissal.
Concerns have also been raised about Reis’s suitability for the role, given her limited television and management experience. However, some within the network pointed out Reis’s four years leading the Middle East and North Africa bureau as relevant experience.
The news of these changes coincides with CBS’s recent successes, including coverage of a thwarted assassination plot against President Trump during the White House Correspondents’ Dinner. CBS correspondents quickly reported on the incident, with Norah O’Donnell securing an exclusive “60 Minutes” interview with Trump.
Weiss addressed staff, praising their recent efforts as this transition unfolds.
