CBS News Standards Chief is Bari Weiss’ First Scalp

Claudia Milne, who has led standards and practices at CBS News since 2021, is leaving the network, marking the first major executive departure since Bari Weiss was named editor-in-chief. 

The exit coincides with broader changes following Skydance’s acquisition of Paramount Global, which included an FCC-mandated commitment to appoint an ombudsman. Kenneth R. Weinstein, former president of the right-leaning Hudson Institute, has been selected for that role.

In a memo to staff, Milne reflected on the challenges facing journalism today, writing, “We live in complicated times—for our company, our industry, and our country. And it’s times like this that what we do matters most.” 

Claudia Milne

She emphasized the role of journalists in holding power to account, urging her colleagues to continue questioning political leaders, social media giants, healthcare companies, and educational institutions, regardless of political affiliation. “Keep asking those tough questions, challenge those in authority, and keep informing the audience,” she wrote, defending CBS News’ commitment to fair, balanced, and unbiased reporting.

Weiss’ appointment, given her background as a New York Times opinion writer and founder of the center-right outlet The Free Press, has sparked speculation about the future direction of CBS News.  Milne’s memo subtly addressed these concerns, reinforcing the network’s journalistic integrity.

Milne joined CBS News in 2019 as managing editor of CBS This Morning, later taking on breaking news duties. In 2023, she co-led CBS News Confirmed, a unit focused on combating AI-generated deepfakes and misinformation.