In a significant shakeup at CBS, nearly 100 employees from its news division, including prominent co-hosts Michelle Miller and Dana Jacobson of “CBS Saturday Morning,” have been laid off amid a sweeping restructuring effort by parent company Paramount. This move is part of a broader initiative to realign programming and cut costs, which has reportedly affected multiple segments within the network.
Sources familiar with the developments indicated that “CBS Saturday Morning” will undergo a format change to bring it in line with the structure of the weekday show, “CBS Mornings.” In conjunction with these changes, Brian Applegate has been let go from his position as executive producer of the Saturday program.
The network also announced the cancellation of “CBS Mornings Plus,” a supplemental show that aired in select markets, including Los Angeles. Additionally, “CBS Evening News Plus,” which featured anchor John Dickerson, is set to be discontinued, leading Dickerson to announce his departure from the network.
This wave of layoffs has already impacted several notable correspondents, such as Debora Patta, who recently reported on the conflict in Gaza, alongside Janet Shamlian and Nikki Battiste. A CBS News representative opted not to provide comments regarding the layoffs.
The cuts are part of a larger strategy implemented by Paramount, which is aiming to reduce its workforce by approximately 1,000 employees across various divisions. The newly established owners, Skydance Media, have set a target to trim costs by $2 billion, suggesting that more layoffs could be on the horizon in the coming months.
Miller, a seasoned journalist, has been a significant figure within CBS News, contributing to notable programs like “CBS Sunday Morning” and “48 Hours.” Known for her focus on issues of racial and social justice, Miller began her career at the Los Angeles Times in the early ’90s. She is married to Marc Morial, the former mayor of New Orleans and current president of the National Urban League.
Jacobson, also 52, joined CBS News in 2015 after a decade-long stint at ESPN, where she appeared on major sports programs like “First Take” and “SportsCenter.” Both women became co-hosts of “CBS Saturday Morning” in 2018, following its rebranding from “CBS This Morning Saturday.”
As the network navigates these changes, the future direction of CBS News continues to be closely monitored by industry insiders and viewers alike.
