Power Lines is the official podcast of Status, where veteran journalists Oliver Darcy and Jon Passantino break down their reporting and deliver analysis on how information moves and shapes society. From the media and Silicon Valley to Hollywood, they examine the institutions driving narratives, shaping perception, and influencing culture. New episodes drop every Friday. Watch the show on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@status Subscribe to Status, the newsletter behind Power Lines: https://www.status.news/ Follow Power Lines: https://www.instagram.com/get_status/?hl=en https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:5buikzg4ppbye7ib7chprio6 https://www.tiktok.com/@status.news
Power Lines is the official podcast of Status, where veteran journalists Oliver Darcy and Jon Passantino deliver sharp media industry analysis every Friday. On today’s episode: Bari Weiss and new executive producer Nick Bilton are reshaping “60 Minutes,” announcing a slate of new correspondents and contributors that includes Ross Douthat, Sebastian Junger, Gianna Toboni, and Trevor Phillips. Oliver and Jon break down how staffers reacted and whether the show can produce enough stories in time for the upcoming season. Next, MAGA Media turns its attention back to Dr. Anthony Fauci following a contentious Senate hearing and the release of his private COVID-era diaries. Laura Ingraham, Jesse Watters, and Sean Hannity went all-in, with Fauci branded “a greedy mad scientist on a power trip.” Plus: Hunter Biden’s recent joint interview with white-supremacist and Holocaust denier Nick Fuentes, the bipartisan effort to punish FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr, and Oliver’s futile quest for “The Odyssey” IMAX tickets. Read these stories and more at http://www.status.news 0:00 Intro 1:38 Bari Weiss’ Latest Hires for ‘60 Minutes’ 23:54 MAGA Media Obsesses over Dr. Fauci 38:30 Hunter Biden Meets Nick Fuentes 45:05 The Bipartisan Effort to Punish the FCC 51:20 Oliver’s Odyssey to Get Movie Tickets Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Our Exclusive Sit-Down with CA AG Rob Bonta on the Lawsuit Threatening the Paramount-Warner Merger
On today’s episode: California Attorney General Rob Bonta joins the show for an exclusive interview after filing a lawsuit to block David Ellison’s $110 billion Paramount-Warner Bros. Discovery merger. Bonta explains why he believes the deal violates antitrust law, the danger it poses to the media landscape, and addresses the elephant in the room: what happens to CNN and CBS News? After the interview, Jon and Oliver unpack Bonta’s comments, including what he said about a potential CNN spinoff, the structural remedies he could seek, and why CNN has become central to the legal fight. Plus: A special announcement—the first-ever Status Summit is coming to New York City on September 9, featuring candid conversations with Meredith Kopit Levien, Rebecca Kutler, David Remnick, Wendy McMahon, and more. Read these stories and more at https://www.status.news 0:00 Intro 1:55 Interview with California AG Rob Bonta 25:34 Breaking Down AG Bonta’s Answers 41:20 Special Announcement from Status Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Crisis at “60 Minutes,” The Future of CNN, Tucker vs. Hannity, And Your Biggest Media Questions
On today’s episode: Jon and Oliver answer your biggest media questions, including whether David Ellison's looming takeover of CNN should worry journalists, who really holds more sway on the American right today, and whether legacy news brands can survive the digital era. Plus, the future of NBC News, Business Insider, the network evening newscast, and much more. 0:00 Intro 2:20 Has “60 Minutes” Stabilized? 7:40 Has Bari Weiss Made “CBS News” More Digital-Friendly? 11:03 Is There A Future for the Evening Newscast? 17:01 Will Things Really Be That Bad if Ellison Owns CNN? 26:01 What’s Next for NBC News? 32:58 Does Business Insider Have A Path to Prosperity? 37:48 Who Has More Influence: Tucker or Hannity? 43:45 Should Big Tech Do More to Help Journalism? 50:12 Which Legacy Media Organizations Would You Work For? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Why CNN Is Losing a Big Name, NPR's Huge Mistake, and Bari Weiss’ CBS Hits Grim New Low
On today’s episode: Paula Reid, CNN's chief legal affairs correspondent, is leaving the network after growing uncomfortable with David Ellison’s impending takeover. Jon and Oliver break down exclusive reporting on what happened, and who else could follow her out the door. Next, NPR’s embarrassing false report that Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito was retiring, what went wrong inside the newsroom, and what it reveals about the outlet’s editorial process. Plus: MAGA media turns on Justice Amy Coney Barrett after the Supreme Court’s birthright citizenship ruling, and another brutal week for Bari Weiss’ CBS News as the network tries to spin a grim ratings picture. Read these stories and more at http://www.status.news 0:00 Intro 1:41 Paula Reid is Leaving CNN. Who’s Next? 18:24 NPR’s Embarrassing False Report 27:04 MAGA Media Attacks Justice Barrett 34:06 Latest Ratings Data from Bari Weiss’ CBS News 44:21 Media Moment of the Week Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Power Lines is the official podcast of Status, where veteran journalists Oliver Darcy and Jon Passantino deliver sharp media industry analysis every Friday. On today’s episode: Executives at CBS News are sounding the alarm over historically bad ratings for “CBS Mornings.” Oliver and Jon dive into the numbers and discuss Tony Dokoupil publicly distancing himself from Bari Weiss. Then, Emily Sundberg’s interview with Mark Zuckerberg exposes the Meta billionaire’s preference to talk to dodge tough questions. Also, Tucker Carlson has not only broken from the Republican Party, but he also has some choice words for Donald Trump. Plus, Status makes its debut on the “Joe Rogan Experience,” which we highlight in our Media Moment of the Week. 0:00 Intro 1:11 CBS Mornings Hits Historic Low Ratings 11:02 Tony Dokoupil Distances Himself from Bari Weiss 15:29 Zuckerberg Hand Picks Softball Questions in Recent Interview 26:28 Tucker Carlson Calls Trump a “Bitch” 31:15 Media Moment of the Week Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Inside Bari Weiss' Private Meeting With CNN, Bezos' Shocking Comments on The WaPo, MAGA Media's Turn
CNN and CBS executives are beginning to compare notes as David Ellison's deal moves closer to reality, with senior leaders from both organizations holding integration meetings and weighing what a combined future could look like. Then, new reporting reveals what Jeff Bezos told Donald Trump behind closed doors about The Washington Post. Bezos reportedly described the paper as his worst investment and complained that its employees don't listen to him, raising fresh questions about his stewardship. Finally, conservative media figures are turning on Trump's Iran deal. From the Murdoch-owned Fox News and New York Post to Tucker Carlson, Ben Shapiro, and other prominent voices on the right, the backlash is raising questions about whether Trump's grip on conservative media is beginning to loosen. Plus, it's a new edition of Open Lines. Leave a question in the comments for a chance to be featured on next week's show! 0:00 Intro 1:22 CNN Presents to Bari Weiss and CBS News Ahead of Potential Merger 12:10 Kara Swisher Wants Out at CNN Before Ellison Takeover 18:40 Bezos Blasts WaPo Staff in Private Trump Meeting 30:11 MAGA Media Blasts Trump’s Iran Deal 43:47 Open Lines: Oliver and Jon Answer Your Questions Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Will Bari Weiss Actually Get CNN, Daniel Dale Disappears, Elon Musk's Media Assault
On today’s episode: Exclusive reporting on Bari Weiss, who has isolated herself within CBS News as David Ellison and network executives work to clean up her mess at “60 Minutes.” The crisis raises the question: How could she possibly run CNN after her mismanagement at CBS News? Then, the curious disappearance of CNN fact-checker Daniel Dale, who hasn't been seen on TV in more than three months. Oliver and Jon discuss why CNN may have benched one of its most popular on-air talents. Finally, Media Matters has been forced to cut staff in the face of a costly legal war from Elon Musk, who once called himself a “free speech absolutist.” What’s really behind the litigation? Plus your questions in the latest edition of Open Lines. Read these stories and more at Status: http://www.status.news Take your personal data back with Incogni! Use code STATUS at the link below and get 60% off an annual plan: https://incogni.com/status 0:00 Intro 1:29 Bari Weiss is MIA as Ellison Cleans Up Her Mess at 60 Minutes 30:32 Where is CNN’s Daniel Dale? 43:21 Media Matters Downsizes After Elon Musk Lawsuit 55:20 Open Lines: Oliver and Jon Answer Your Questions Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Special Episode: Inside the ‘60 Minutes’ Firestorm as Bari Weiss Faces Backlash Over Her Radical Overhaul
Bari Weiss has plunged “60 Minutes” into unprecedented chaos after firing Scott Pelley, who objected to her radical overhaul of the storied newsmagazine. Jon and Oliver discuss their exclusive reporting, from details on Pelley’s explosive confrontation with CBS News brass, to whether the remaining “60 Minutes” correspondents might call it quits, to what staffers at the show are quietly saying behind the scenes. Read these stories and more at: https://www.status.news/ 0:00 Intro 1:14 Inside Scott Pelley’s Firing from “60 Minutes” 20:04 The Secret Meeting Between Remaining “60” Correspondents 33:52 Pelley Accuses Network of Injecting Bias in Reporting 42:20 Open Lines: Oliver and Jon Answer Your Questions Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Power Lines is the official podcast of Status, where veteran journalists Oliver Darcy and Jon Passantino deliver sharp media industry analysis every Friday. On today’s episode: Bari Weiss and David Ellison have dismantled “60 Minutes.” On the heels of the storied franchise winning two Emmys, and CBS News being called out publicly by the winner of the Mike Wallace Memorial Scholarship, Weiss leveled the staff, dismissing Sharyn Alfonsi, Cecilia Vega, and Tanya Simon, among others. Simon will be replaced by technology journalist Nick Bilton who, like Weiss, has no experience running a television franchise. Oliver and Jon wade through the disheartening news and point to the obvious reason why this happened. Also, journalists, academics, and documentarians signed a letter pushing back on Paramount’s acquisition of CNN. And finally, was Tony Dokoupil actually able to eclipse the four million viewer mark?! CBS says yes, but we’ll explain why that claim isn’t quite accurate. 0:00 Intro 1:36 Inside Bari Weiss’ 60 Minutes Shakeup 28:52 The Press Mobilizes Against Ellison 34:13 Investigating CBS’ Claims on Latest Ratings Data 40:35 Open Lines: Oliver and Jon Answer Your Questions Thanks to our sponsor, beehiiv, the platform that powers the Status newsletter! If you have a newsletter with over 100k subscribers, schedule your free growth consultation today. Or, use code STATUS30 for 30% off: https://www.beehiiv.com/status Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Bari on the Brink? Colbert's CBS Cancellation, Bezos' Embarrassing Interview, The Daily Wire Meltdown
Power Lines is the official podcast of Status, where veteran journalists Oliver Darcy and Jon Passantino deliver sharp media industry analysis every Friday. On today’s episode: Questions are swirling about Bari Weiss’ future atop CBS News after a report said Paramount has had conversations about narrowing her role—we break down David Ellison’s carefully worded denial and whether Weiss is in any real trouble. Plus, why the cancellation of “The Late Show With Stephen Colbert” is about far more than budget concerns, Jeff Bezos’ embarrassing interview defending Donald Trump and The Washington Post layoffs, and the turmoil consuming Ben Shapiro’s Daily Wire. Read these stories and more at Status: https://www.status.news/ Thanks to our sponsor, beehiiv, who powers the Status newsletter! If you have a newsletter with over 100k subscribers, schedule your free growth consultation today. Or, use code STATUS30 for 30% off: https://www.beehiiv.com/status 0:00 Intro 1:16 Is Bari Weiss Being Pushed Out at CBS News? 16:56 The End of The Late Show 22:16 Bezos Says Trump Is "Calmer," Defends WaPo Cuts 31:27 Daily Wire in Turmoil as Ben Shapiro Loses Allies 44:06 Open Lines: Oliver and Jon Answer Your Questions Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Dokoupil's Taiwan Trouble, Weiss Brawls With Stahl, Kristof Blowback, & POLITICO Owner’s Trump Play
Power Lines is the official podcast of Status, where veteran journalists Oliver Darcy and Jon Passantino deliver sharp media industry analysis every Friday. On this week’s episode: CBS News not only failed to secure a visa for Tony Dokoupil to broadcast from Beijing during Donald Trump’s China trip, but the network was barred by its hotel from broadcasting from its grounds, Status has learned. The embarrassing fiasco adds to a slew of negative headlines the Bari Weiss-led network has faced this week. We discuss how Weiss undermined “60 Minutes” correspondent Lesley Stahl by handing Major Garrett the Benjamin Netanyahu interview, as Status also first reported. Plus, The New York Times is grappling with blowback after Nicholas Kristof’s shocking opinion piece alleging Israel has systematically raped Palestinian prisoners. And we break down another Status exclusive report—this one about how POLITICO owner Mathias Döpfner has been quietly courting Trump, with secret dinner invites in Washington and a personal trip to the Middle East. 0:00 Intro 1:23 CBS News Fails to Secure Visa for Dokoupil 6:47 Latest ‘CBS Evening News’ Ratings Data 8:53 Inside ‘60 Minutes’ Staff Fallout after Netanyahu Interview 19:16 Israel Threatens The New York Times Over Kristof Piece 35:14 POLITICO Owner Quietly Courts Trump 44:19 Open Lines: Oliver and Jon Answer Your Questions Thank you to our sponsor, beehiiv, the platform that powers the Status newsletter! If you have a newsletter with over 100k subscribers, schedule your free growth consultation today. Or, use code STATUS30 for 30% off: https://www.beehiiv.com/status Interested in what we’re discussing? Read more from Status: https://www.status.news/p/tony-dokoupil-cbs-evening-news-taiwan-bari-weiss https://www.status.news/p/60-minutes-netanyahu-bari-weiss-major-garrett https://www.status.news/p/nicholas-kristof-israel-new-york-times https://www.status.news/p/mathias-dopfner-donald-trump-meeting-axel-springer Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
CNN Star’s Ellison Alarm, Bari Weiss' Never-Ending Ratings Spiral, The Next Murdoch Media Empire
Power Lines is the official podcast of Status, where veteran journalists Oliver Darcy and Jon Passantino deliver sharp media industry analysis every Friday. On today’s episode: Christiane Amanpour has become the first CNN star to say the quiet part out loud about David Ellison's upcoming takeover. Bari Weiss is in ratings hell—and under fire from a “60 Minutes” correspondent. Meanwhile, some of Substack’s biggest publishers are eyeing the exits, while James Murdoch moves closer to building a media empire of his own with a deal for Vox’s podcast network and New York Magazine. Read all of these stories and more at Status: https://www.status.news 0:00 Intro 1:43 Christiane Amanpour Speaks Out on CNN's Ellison Takeover 5:55 Bari Weiss' Ratings Spiral, 60 Minutes Correspondent Pushes Back 18:12 James Murdoch Moves on Vox Podcasts and New York Magazine 31:15 Substack's Biggest Publishers Eye the Exits 49:45 Open Lines: Oliver and Jon Answer Your Questions Thank you to our sponsor, beehiiv, the platform that powers the Status newsletter! If you have a newsletter with over 100k subscribers, schedule your free growth consultation today. Or, use code STATUS30 for 30% off: https://www.beehiiv.com/status Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Bari Weiss’ CBS News ‘Train Wreck;’ Disney Boss Faces Trump Test; Don Jr. the Next ‘Apprentice’?
Power Lines is the official podcast of Status, where veteran journalists Oliver Darcy and Jon Passantino deliver sharp media industry analysis every Friday. On today’s episode: CBS News is facing mounting turmoil as new ratings data shows “CBS Evening News” and “CBS Mornings” hitting historic lows under Bari Weiss’ leadership, Meanwhile, Weiss has ousted the network’s foreign editor after comparing the network's coverage to a terrorist group. Then, Donald Trump is demanding ABC fire Jimmy Kimmel, but Disney is finding unlikely support from MAGA. Plus, Amazon is discussing a reboot of “The Apprentice” with Donald Trump Jr. as host—what Jeff Bezos is really trying to accomplish. 0:00 Intro 1:47 CBS News Hits Historic Low Ratings Under Bari Weiss 12:17 Weiss Ousts Foreign Editor Over Terror Group Comparison 21:20 Trump Demands ABC Fire Jimmy Kimmel, MAGA Sides With Disney 33:19 Amazon Talks "The Apprentice" Reboot With Don Jr. 42:09 Open Lines: Oliver and Jon Answer Your Questions Thanks to our sponsor, beehiiv, the platform that powers the Status newsletter! If you have a newsletter with over 100k subscribers, schedule your free growth consultation today. Or, use code STATUS30 for 30% off: https://www.beehiiv.com/status Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Scott MacFarlane Gets Candid, Tucker Carlson Apologizes, and Kash Patel Lashes Out
On this week’s Power Lines with Oliver Darcy and Jon Passantino: Former CBS News correspondent, and current chief Washington correspondent for MeidasTouch, Scott MacFarlane joined the show! We talked about the tension surrounding this year’s White House Correspondents’ Dinner, Scott’s departure from CBS News, the state of legacy media, and his transition into independent journalism. Also, Oliver and Jon discuss Tucker Carlson saying he is “tormented” over his 2024 support of Donald Trump, and Kash Patel targeting reporters. No Open Lines this week but, please, call us on our new voicemail line! (646) 926-0325 We want to hear from you and feature your questions on the show. Thanks to our sponsor, beehiiv, the platform that powers the Status newsletter! If you have a newsletter with over 100k subscribers, schedule your free growth consultation today. Or, use code STATUS30 for 30% off: https://www.beehiiv.com/status 0:00 Intro 1:51 Scott MacFarlane on the White House Correspondent's Dinner and Leaving CBS News 31:09 Tucker Carlson ‘Tormented’ By Past Support for Trump 38:35 Kash Patel Uses FBI to Target Reporters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
David Ellison's ‘Intimate’ Trump Dinner, Murdoch Wins in Court, and Our Battle With Actual Fake News
On this week’s Power Lines with Oliver Darcy and Jon Passantino: David Ellison is set to host an "intimate" dinner “honoring the Trump White House,” according to an invite that we got our hands on. The event is ostensibly a “celebration of the First Amendment” and will include CBS White House correspondents. Of course, inviting the very people who assail the First Amendment to an event celebrating it makes little sense. Oliver and Jon break down the details and explain what is really going on. Next, Oliver and Jon explain how they were victims of actual “fake news” this week, when Mediaite published a false story about Status, complete with a fabricated quote attributed to Jon. We’ll take you through what happened. And finally, Trump suffers a huge loss in court at the hands of Rupert Murdoch. Plus, we announce our new voicemail line during another edition of Open Lines. Give us a call at (646) 926-0325. Leave a message, ask a question, or just scream into the phone for a couple of minutes. We’d love to feature you on the show! Thank you to our sponsor, beehiiv, the platform that powers the Status newsletter! If you have a newsletter with over 100k subscribers, schedule your free growth consultation today. Or, use code STATUS30 for 30% off: https://www.beehiiv.com/status 0:00 Intro 1:18 Inside David Ellison’s Private Dinner Honoring the Trump White House 15:29 We Were Victims of Actual Fake News 34:05 Murdoch Beats Trump in Court 39:39 Open Lines: Oliver and Jon Answer your Questions Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Press Embraces Its Enemies; Bari’s ‘60 Minutes’ Idea; MAGA Turns on Trump
With the White House Correspondents’ Dinner approaching, news organizations are confronting an uncomfortable question: Do they welcome members of an administration that demonizes the press at every turn into their weekend events—or do they draw a line? Over at CBS News, Bari Weiss has staffers at “60 Minutes” nervous about how she will overhaul the show. We've learned exclusive new details about what Weiss is privately floating during meetings about the newsmagazine’s future. Plus, MAGA Media has had it with Donald Trump. Top figures like Tucker Carlson, Alex Jones, and Megyn Kelly are unloading on the president over the Iran War—with some even calling for him to be removed from office via the 25th Amendment. Oliver and Jon break it all down—and answer viewer questions during Open Lines at the end of the episode. 0:00 Intro 1:32 Trump Attending the White House Correspondent’s Dinner 15:40 60 Minutes Staffers Brace for Bari Weiss Shake-Up 25:29 MAGA Media Eviscerates Trump 36:01 Open Lines: Oliver and Jon Answer Listener Questions Thanks to our sponsor, beehiiv, the platform that powers the Status newsletter! If you have a newsletter with over 100k subscribers, schedule your free growth consultation today. Or, use code STATUS30 for 30% off: https://www.beehiiv.com/status Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
White House Melts Down Over Photo, Bari Weiss Eyes ‘60 Minutes’ Overhaul, MS NOW-NBC Tensions Spike
On this week’s episode of Power Lines… New reporting from Status reveals the White House quietly pressured AFP to remove an unflattering image of press secretary Karoline Leavitt from its wire and AFP complied. Oliver and Jon break down how it happened, the questionable explanation behind it, and why the attempt to control the image may have backfired. Then, a brewing power struggle inside CBS News. Bari Weiss is eyeing sweeping changes to 60 Minutes. Oliver reports the network’s top editor pushed for a mid-season shakeup, was stopped, and is now preparing for a much larger overhaul after May, with executive producer Tanya Simon potentially on the chopping block. Plus, a surprise move at NBC News. Peter Alexander is out, heading to a new role at MS NOW. But behind the scenes, it’s part of a much messier split between NBC and Versant and talent is increasingly caught in the middle. And to close it out, Oliver and Jon answer listener questions in the latest edition of Open Lines. Thanks to our sponsor, beehiiv, the platform that powers the Status newsletter! If you have a newsletter with over 100k subscribers, schedule your free growth consultation today. Or, use code STATUS30 for 30% off: https://www.beehiiv.com/status 0:00 Intro 1:45 White House Had AFP Pull Karoline Leavitt Photo 14:24 Bari Weiss Plans Major 60 Minutes Shakeup 27:20 Peter Alexander Out at NBC, Talent Caught in Power Struggle 35:25 Open Lines: Your Questions Answered Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
SPECIAL EPISODE: Jim Acosta on Trump’s Growing Influence Over the Media
This week, Jim Acosta joins Oliver and Jon for a special bonus edition of Power Lines! Fresh off congressional testimony, Acosta breaks down Trump’s growing influence over the press, media consolidation, CNN and CBS, and the rise of independent media. They also explore how news organizations are responding to political pressure, why audiences are shifting away from traditional outlets, and what this moment means for the future of the media industry. Big thanks to Jim. Follow his work on YouTube, and if you’re new here, subscribe to this channel for more Power Lines. Also sign up for our daily newsletter at status.news for essential coverage of the media industry. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Bari Weiss’ CBS News Ratings Collapse, Tensions Mount Inside CNN, Hegseth Escalates War on Press
On this week’s episode of Power Lines: Exclusive ratings data obtained by Status shows the first quarter of the revamped CBS News under Bari Weiss shed viewers at an alarming rate, collapsing to historic lows. Oliver and Jon break down the numbers, explain why audiences are tuning out, and what it means as rivals ABC and NBC notch year-over-year gains. Next, more exclusive reporting: CNN chief Mark Thompson faces tough questions from staff during a visit to the network’s London hub, with concerns mounting over Paramount’s incoming ownership under David Ellison—and what it could mean for CNN’s independence. Then, despite a decisive court loss over his crackdown on the Pentagon press corps, Pete Hegseth is escalating his fight, imposing new restrictions on coverage of the Iran war. Finally, Oliver and Jon respond to listener comments on MS NOW’s programming changes, CBS News’ ratings troubles, and Oliver’s pronunciation of one particular word. Read these stories and more in Status: https://www.status.news/ Thanks to our sponsor, beehiiv, who powers the Status newsletter! If you have a newsletter with over 100k subscribers, schedule your free growth consultation today. Or, use code STATUS30 for 30% off: https://www.beehiiv.com/status 0:00 Intro 1:34 CBS News Ratings Collapse (Exclusive) 19:00 CNN CEO Grilled by Talent and Staff 31:59 Hegseth Vs. the Press 39:03 Open Lines: Oliver and Jon Answer Listener Questions Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
'CBS Evening News' Hits New Lows, White House Attacks Google, MS NOW Shakes Up Lineup
On this week’s Power Lines… CBS News is running into headwinds—and the spotlight is squarely on Bari Weiss. The network’s revamped “Evening News,” helmed by Tony Dokoupil under Weiss' editorial direction, is hitting dangerous ratings lows, slipping below four million viewers. Unfortunately for Weiss, the problems aren’t confined to what’s happening on air. Inside the building, tensions are mounting as staffers at CBS News’ streaming division walked off the job amid a contract dispute. Meanwhile, in Washington, the White House is escalating its fight with Big Tech, this time zeroing in on Google. Officials are amplifying claims that the platform is biased against conservative outlets, citing a deeply flawed report from a right-wing attack dog. Over at MS Now, a major programming shakeup is underway. The network is reshuffling its daytime lineup in an effort to hold onto viewers beyond the morning hours and present a more cohesive lineup of programming. Plus, in the Q&A section of Power Lines—now known as Open Lines—Jon and Oliver answer your questions, from the future of CBS News talent to the broader shift toward independent media. 0:00 Intro 1:12 CBS Evening News Ratings Slide 7:17 Streaming Staff Walkout at CBS 12:35 White House Targets Google Over Media Bias 22:30 MS Now Programming Shakeup 29:39 Open Lines: Responding to Your Questions Thank you to our sponsor, beehiiv, the platform that powers the Status newsletter! If you have a newsletter with over 100k subscribers, schedule your free growth consultation today. Or, use code STATUS30 for 30% off: https://www.beehiiv.com/status Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
