BREAKING: Bari Weiss is making a bold move at CBS News, actively pursuing ABC’s Matt Gutman as a surprising contender for the prestigious “CBS Evening News” anchor chair. This development comes just weeks after Weiss took over as editor in chief, signaling her aggressive strategy to reshape the network.
Gutman, aged 47, currently serves as ABC’s chief national correspondent. He has built a reputation as a seasoned field reporter, particularly noted for his extensive coverage of international crises, including significant time spent in the Middle East. Despite lacking formal anchoring experience, Weiss has identified him as a potential face for CBS’s flagship newscast, a choice that reflects her unconventional approach in her new role.
However, reports indicate that the likelihood of Gutman transitioning to CBS remains low, as he is still under contract with Disney-owned ABC, according to the Status newsletter. Weiss and CBS News President Tom Cibrowski are in urgent need of a successor for John Dickerson, who is set to depart by the end of the year. Dickerson has co-anchored the evening news alongside Maurice DuBois since late January, taking over from Norah O’Donnell.
The search for a new anchor has included both internal candidates, such as “CBS Mornings” co-anchor Tony Dokoupil, and external options. Weiss is reportedly casting a wide net beyond CBS’s ranks, reaching out to well-known journalists across major networks, including Bret Baier from Fox News and Anderson Cooper from CNN.
Weiss, who was appointed by new CBS owner David Ellison to revamp the news division, is already implementing sweeping changes. She has taken control of booking decisions and has been directly communicating with producers about coverage priorities. Her search for the next “Evening News” anchor is seen as a critical element of her strategy, one that will set the tone for her leadership at CBS.
Sources close to Weiss suggest that her interest in Gutman may be tied to his reporting on Israel, an issue of personal significance for her. Meanwhile, Baier remains committed to Fox News, with his contract extending through the end of 2028. He recently expressed satisfaction with his current position during a podcast discussion with Meghan McCain.
As CBS News navigates this high-stakes transition, the outcome of Weiss’s recruitment efforts could reshape the evening news landscape. Keep an eye on this developing story as updates emerge regarding the future of CBS Evening News and the potential anchor chair.
The Post has reached out for comments from both CBS News and ABC News, while CNN and Fox News have declined to provide statements. Stay tuned for the latest developments on this urgent story.
