Recent Layoffs at CBS News

The latest layoffs at CBS News, led by editor-in-chief Bari Weiss, have resulted in a few new hires, with more talent anticipated in the near future.

Sources indicated that Friday’s cuts included correspondent Elaine Quijano, who also hosted New York’s weekend mornings, along with Dallas correspondent Omar Villafranca, Los Angeles correspondent Nydia Cavazos, Las Vegas correspondent Andres Gutierrez, national correspondent Dave Markoff, and Houston’s national reporter Karen Hoare.

Newly affected also were Washington, D.C.-based reporter Nick Kurtz and political reporter Hunter Woodall, who shared news of his termination on X. Word has it that over five staff members have been let go from the D.C. office.

Additionally, CBS News terminated environmental correspondent David Schechter, according to the Los Angeles Times.

There was no comment from CBS News regarding these layoffs.

The network announced on Friday that 6% of its workforce would be laid off and that CBS Radio would be permanently shut down, ending a century-long legacy. Estimates suggest that this round of job cuts could total around 60 to 70 positions.

Further layoffs are likely as contracts for top talent come to an end. Names that could be on the chopping block include “60 Minutes” correspondent Scott Pelley, Sharyn Alfonsi, and Cecilia Vega. Bill Whitaker is set to retire at the season’s conclusion.

In a memo to staff, Weiss and CBS News President Tom Sibrowski confirmed the workforce reduction and stated that affected employees would be informed by the day’s end.

They acknowledged the significance of those being laid off, emphasizing, “They are more than just names on a list. They are talented, dedicated colleagues who are essential to our success.”

Weiss and Sibrowski expressed a commitment to treating departing staff “with the utmost care and respect.”

The layoffs were framed as part of wider changes in the industry, with the note that “the news business is fundamentally changing, and we need to change with it,” highlighting that “new audiences are proliferating in new places.”

The memo hinted at necessary trade-offs within the newsroom, asserting that “downsizing some parts of the newsroom” will be essential to adapt and remain competitive.