CBS News appears to be on an aggressive recruitment drive as part of its broader strategy to rebrand and balance its news coverage. Editor-in-Chief Bari Weiss, who took the lead at CBS News following Skydance Media's acquisition of the network's parent company Paramount, has reportedly set her sights on bringing in CNN contributor Scott Jennings. According to sources from Semafor and the New York Post on Monday, Jennings was invited to the CBS News headquarters in New York City for talks.
Scott Jennings, a host on Salem Radio Network, is known for his conservative stance and has garnered appreciation for his defense of President Donald Trump during appearances on CNN. Jennings' political experience includes serving in the George W. Bush administration and working as an aide to Senator Mitch McConnell of Kentucky.
The potential recruitment of Jennings is indicative of the new direction CBS News is taking under Weiss's leadership. Skydance CEO David Ellison, following the network's acquisition and Weiss's appointment, made it clear that his vision for CBS News was to provide balanced and fact-based reporting. "We believe the majority of the country longs for news that is balanced and fact-based, and we want CBS to be their home," Ellison declared in an October 6 statement, which also announced the acquisition of The Free Press as part of the deal.
The changes at CBS News come on the heels of a significant legal settlement with President Trump, who had filed a $10 billion lawsuit against the network. The suit accused CBS of editing an October 2024 interview with then-Vice President Kamala Harris during her presidential campaign, in a manner that was unfavorable to President Trump. The settlement, although undisclosed, has caused ripples of internal dissent within CBS, including from the outgoing “CBS Evening News” co-host John Dickerson.
Beyond Jennings, Weiss is reportedly eyeing other big names for CBS News. Bret Baier, the “Special Report” anchor at Fox News, is allegedly another target, though he remains under contract with Fox through 2028. On the other hand, former “CBS Evening News” anchor Norah O’Donnell, who left her position in January 2025, might be considered for a return to the anchor desk.
Jennings, currently not tied to a full-time position at CNN, may find it easier to transition to a role at CBS, giving him and the network a potentially advantageous situation. His move could significantly impact both networks, as suggested by a tweet from Eric Daugherty, who labeled Jennings a "ratings machine" and implied CNN's loss if Jennings were to leave.
As CBS News endeavors to reshape its editorial lineup and broadcast tone, the industry watches closely to see how these potential changes might alter the landscape of televised news.
