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John Oliver & CBS: Peter Attia Resigns After Epstein Files & Oliver’s Criticism

by Dr. Priya Deshmukh - Senior Editor, Health February 24, 2026

written by Dr. Priya Deshmukh - Senior Editor, Health

Peter Attia, a longevity expert who recently joined CBS News, has resigned from his position following scrutiny over his past connections to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The resignation came just one day after comedian John Oliver sharply criticized CBS News for retaining Attia despite his inclusion in the Epstein Files, a trove of court documents detailing associations with Epstein. This incident has reignited a debate about journalistic standards and the vetting process for public figures.

Attia, 52, was brought on as a contributor by CBS News Editor-in-Chief Bari Weiss in January. But, his name appears over 1,700 times in the Epstein Files, revealing extensive email correspondence with Epstein primarily dating back to the mid-2010s. The controversy intensified after an email surfaced in which Attia made a provocative comment to Epstein, writing, “P—y is, low carb. Still awaiting results on gluten content, though,” as reported by The Daily Beast. Attia had previously issued a letter acknowledging his correspondence with Epstein and attempting to explain the nature of their relationship.

Oliver’s criticism, delivered on his HBO show Last Week Tonight, highlighted what he perceived as a double standard, noting that Attia had previously been removed from his position as chief science officer for the protein bar company David, yet remained employed by CBS News. “It is wild that CBS News somehow has lower standards than a protein bar company that markets their products like this, and also like this,” Oliver stated, referencing David’s advertising. He further questioned the network’s judgment in employing someone with such associations, suggesting a tolerance for overlooking Epstein’s “heinous actions.”

Attia announced his resignation on Monday, February 23, 2026, stating through a spokesperson that he wished to avoid becoming a distraction from the “key function being done at CBS,” according to TV Insider. The timing of the resignation, so soon after Oliver’s segment, strongly suggests a connection between the two events. CBS News has not yet issued a formal statement beyond confirming Attia’s departure.

The Role of Bari Weiss and Editorial Standards

The hiring of Attia was part of a broader overhaul initiated by Bari Weiss, who was appointed Editor-in-Chief of CBS News in October 2025. As discussed by John Oliver on Last Week Tonight, Weiss’s appointment has been met with scrutiny, with some critics questioning her editorial direction. Her decision not to immediately dismiss Attia following the revelations about his ties to Epstein sparked considerable backlash, ultimately contributing to the pressure that led to his resignation. The situation raises questions about the balance between journalistic independence and accountability when dealing with individuals linked to controversial figures.

The Broader Context: Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery

The situation at CBS News is unfolding against a backdrop of significant media industry upheaval. CBS’s parent company, Paramount, is currently engaged in a bidding war with Netflix for a controlling stake in Warner Bros. Discovery, which owns HBO, the network that airs John Oliver’s Last Week Tonight. According to IMDb, Paramount has increased its bid to $2.50 per share above Netflix’s offer. Oliver himself has publicly expressed his desire for HBO to remain independent from Paramount, stating, “Please stay the f— away from us,” as reported by multiple sources. This complex corporate maneuvering adds another layer to the controversy surrounding Attia’s resignation, as the potential merger could impact the future of both CBS News and Last Week Tonight.

The resignation of Peter Attia serves as a stark reminder of the scrutiny public figures face in the wake of revelations about their past associations. It also highlights the challenges news organizations encounter when navigating complex ethical considerations and maintaining public trust. The situation at CBS News will likely continue to be closely watched as the media landscape evolves and the battle for control of Warner Bros. Discovery intensifies.

Disclaimer: This article provides information for general knowledge and informational purposes only, and does not constitute medical or journalistic advice.

What are your thoughts on the role of media organizations in vetting public figures? Share your opinions in the comments below.

February 24, 2026 0 comments

Technology

Anderson Cooper Leaves 60 Minutes: CNN Anchor Exits CBS News Magazine

by Sophie Lin - Technology Editor February 17, 2026

written by Sophie Lin - Technology Editor

Anderson Cooper, the prominent CNN anchor, is concluding his nearly two-decade run as a correspondent for CBS’s 60 Minutes, prioritizing time with his growing family and his commitments at CNN. The decision, first reported by the media newsletter Breaker, marks a significant shift for both Cooper and the esteemed newsmagazine, coming amidst a period of transition for 60 Minutes under its new editor-in-chief, Bari Weiss.

Cooper’s final segment for 60 Minutes aired Sunday, featuring an interview with documentary filmmaker Ken Burns. While this broadcast likely won’t be his last with the show – he’s expected to complete the current season ending in May – it signals the end of a unique arrangement that allowed him to contribute to both CNN and CBS for almost 20 years. He will continue to anchor Anderson Cooper 360 and host the weekly newsmagazine The Whole Story on CNN, as well as his podcast, All There Is.

In a statement, Cooper explained his decision, stating, “Being a correspondent at 60 Minutes has been one of the great honors of my career. I got to tell amazing stories, and work with some of the best producers, editors, and camera crews in the business. For nearly twenty years, I’ve been able to balance my jobs at CNN and CBS, but I have little kids now and I want to spend as much time with them as possible, while they still want to spend time with me.”

CBS News echoed this sentiment, expressing gratitude for Cooper’s contributions over the years. “For more than two decades, Anderson Cooper has taken 60 Minutes viewers on journeys to faraway places, told us unforgettable stories, reported consequential investigations and interviewed many prominent figures,” the network said in a statement. “We’re grateful to him for dedicating so much of his life to this broadcast, and understand the importance of spending more time with family. 60 Minutes will be here if he ever wants to return.”

A Unique Dual Role

Cooper’s tenure at 60 Minutes began during the 2006-2007 television season, establishing a rare job-sharing agreement with CNN. This allowed him to contribute significant reporting to the CBS newsmagazine while maintaining his prominent role at CNN. His work with 60 Minutes earned him two News and Documentary Emmy Awards in 2017, recognizing his segments “The Music of Zomba Prison” (best feature story in a newsmagazine) and “Little Jazz Man” (best arts, culture and entertainment report).

Changes at 60 Minutes

Cooper’s departure arrives during a period of change for 60 Minutes, following the appointment of Bari Weiss as editor-in-chief last fall. In December, Weiss faced scrutiny after a last-minute decision to pull a story concerning El Salvador’s CECOT prison, a facility where the Trump administration had sent deportees. Weiss defended the decision, stating the segment, reported by Sharyn Alfonsi, “was not ready” due to a lack of on-the-record response from the White House, despite attempts to secure comment. The story ultimately aired on January 18.

While Cooper’s spokesperson indicated he had no further comment on the matter, his exit marks the first major on-air change under Weiss’s leadership. The situation highlights the ongoing challenges of producing high-profile investigative journalism in a rapidly evolving media landscape.

As Cooper shifts his focus back to CNN and his family, his legacy at 60 Minutes remains secure. His commitment to in-depth reporting and compelling storytelling has left an indelible mark on the program and the field of broadcast journalism. The future of 60 Minutes under Weiss will undoubtedly be closely watched as the program navigates a new chapter.

What remains to be seen is how CBS News will address Cooper’s departure and whether they will seek a similar dual-affiliation arrangement in the future. The evolving dynamics of network news and the demands on journalists’ time will continue to shape the landscape of investigative reporting.

Share your thoughts on Anderson Cooper’s departure and the future of 60 Minutes in the comments below.

February 17, 2026 0 comments

Entertainment

CBS’s Dokoupil: Media Missed the Real Story 🔍

by Marina Collins - Entertainment Editor January 2, 2026

written by Marina Collins - Entertainment Editor

The Audience is Now the Priority: How Tony Dokoupil’s Pledge Could Reshape News Trust

Just 36% of Americans trust the media, a figure that’s plummeted over the last decade. This isn’t a slow burn crisis; it’s a five-alarm fire for the news industry. As Tony Dokoupil prepares to take the anchor chair at “CBS Evening News,” his New Year’s Day declaration – prioritizing the audience over advertisers, politicians, and even corporate interests – isn’t just a promise, it’s a potential lifeline. Dokoupil’s assessment that the press has “missed the story” by prioritizing elites and advocates over the average American signals a seismic shift in thinking, one that could redefine the relationship between news organizations and the people they serve.

The Erosion of Trust: A Multi-Faceted Problem

Dokoupil’s critique resonates with a growing chorus of voices questioning the objectivity of mainstream media. He specifically pointed to disconnects in coverage surrounding events like the Hillary Clinton email controversy and questions about presidential fitness, issues where public perception often diverged sharply from media narratives. This isn’t simply about political leanings; it’s about a perceived lack of genuine curiosity and a tendency to amplify pre-existing narratives. The rise of social media and partisan news outlets has exacerbated this, creating echo chambers where individuals are rarely challenged to confront differing viewpoints. This fragmentation of the information landscape makes rebuilding trust exponentially harder.

Beyond Bias: The Role of Elite Sources

Dokoupil’s observation about the over-reliance on “academics and elites” is particularly insightful. While expert analysis is valuable, it shouldn’t come at the expense of on-the-ground reporting and direct engagement with the communities affected by the stories being told. Too often, news coverage feels detached from the realities of everyday life, focusing instead on abstract debates and theoretical frameworks. This disconnect fuels cynicism and reinforces the perception that the media is out of touch. A recent study by the Pew Research Center demonstrated a continued decline in trust across all news sources, highlighting the urgency of addressing these concerns.

Bari Weiss and the Push for a New Approach

Dokoupil’s appointment by new CBS News editor-in-chief Bari Weiss is no coincidence. Weiss, known for her willingness to challenge conventional wisdom and advocate for a more direct connection with audiences, likely shares Dokoupil’s vision. Her own experiences with censorship and perceived bias within legacy media institutions have undoubtedly informed her approach to leadership. While Weiss’s views, such as her strong support for Israel, have drawn criticism, her commitment to fostering open debate and prioritizing journalistic integrity aligns with Dokoupil’s stated goals. This alignment suggests a deliberate effort to steer CBS News in a new direction.

The Challenge of Third Place

Taking the helm of “CBS Evening News” is a formidable task. The program consistently trails behind ABC’s “World News Tonight” and NBC’s “NBC Nightly News” in viewership. Revitalizing a struggling broadcast requires more than just a change in tone; it demands a fundamental rethinking of how news is produced and delivered. Dokoupil’s promise to “report for you,” to be transparent about his process, and to admit mistakes is a crucial first step. However, sustained success will depend on his ability to consistently deliver compelling, relevant, and trustworthy journalism.

The Future of News: Radical Transparency and Community Engagement

Dokoupil’s pledge isn’t just about restoring trust; it’s about adapting to a rapidly evolving media landscape. The future of news likely hinges on two key principles: radical transparency and genuine community engagement. News organizations must be willing to open their doors, explain their decision-making processes, and actively solicit feedback from their audiences. This means moving beyond traditional broadcast models and embracing interactive platforms that foster dialogue and collaboration. It also means prioritizing local news and investing in reporting that directly addresses the concerns of specific communities. The era of the detached, all-knowing journalist is over. The future belongs to those who see themselves as facilitators of information and partners in civic discourse.

The stakes are high. If Dokoupil can deliver on his promise, he could not only revitalize CBS News but also help to rebuild trust in journalism as a whole. The question now is whether his vision will resonate with audiences and inspire other news organizations to follow suit. What steps do you think news organizations should take to regain public trust? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

January 2, 2026 0 comments

Entertainment

60 Minutes Controversy: Bari Weiss Defends “Radical” Interview

by Marina Collins - Entertainment Editor December 24, 2025

written by Marina Collins - Entertainment Editor

The Erosion of Editorial Independence: How CBS News’s “Fairness” Push Could Reshape Journalism

A staggering 60% of Americans believe news reports are often biased, according to a recent Gallup poll. This pervasive distrust isn’t simply a matter of opinion; it’s a crisis of credibility that’s now playing out in real-time at CBS News, where a stalled “60 Minutes” report and a Christmas Eve memo have ignited a firestorm. The situation isn’t just about one shelved segment; it’s a bellwether for a potentially seismic shift in how news is made – and who controls the narrative.

The “60 Minutes” Controversy: A Symptom of a Larger Problem

The core of the dispute revolves around a “60 Minutes” report by Sharyn Alfonsi detailing the experiences of Venezuelan men deported by the U.S. to El Salvador. Just hours before its scheduled broadcast, CBS News Editor in Chief Bari Weiss intervened, demanding the inclusion of commentary from Trump administration officials, despite the reporting team’s prior efforts to secure a response. Alfonsi herself labeled the decision “corporate censorship,” a charge that resonates with growing concerns about editorial interference. This isn’t an isolated incident. Since her arrival in October, Weiss has implemented a series of changes that have raised eyebrows and sparked pushback from within CBS News.

The Pursuit of “Fairness” and the Risk of Equivalence

The justification offered in the Christmas Eve memo – signed by Weiss, Tom Cibrowski, Charles Forelle, and Adam Rubenstein – centers on a desire to restore public trust through a commitment to “comprehensive and fair” reporting. While laudable in principle, this pursuit of “fairness” risks falling into the trap of false equivalence. Demanding equal time for perspectives that lack factual basis or are demonstrably false can muddy the waters and undermine the core function of journalism: to present verifiable truth. As Jay Rosen of NYU’s Studio 20 points out in his work on the “view from nowhere,” the illusion of objectivity can be more damaging than acknowledging a perspective. Manufacturing Consent: How the Media Shapes Our Views

Beyond CBS: A Broader Trend of Editorial Intervention

The CBS News situation isn’t unique. Across the media landscape, there’s a growing trend of external pressures influencing editorial decisions. These pressures come from various sources: corporate owners with political agendas, advertisers seeking to protect their brands, and even social media campaigns designed to discredit reporting. This interference erodes the independence of journalists and ultimately harms the public’s ability to make informed decisions. The rise of politically-aligned media outlets further exacerbates this problem, creating echo chambers where facts are often secondary to ideology.

The Impact on Investigative Journalism

Investigative journalism, in particular, is vulnerable to these pressures. Thorough investigations often uncover uncomfortable truths that powerful individuals and institutions would prefer to keep hidden. The CBS News debacle sends a chilling message to investigative reporters: that their work can be – and will be – subject to second-guessing and potential censorship. This could lead to a decline in hard-hitting reporting and a corresponding increase in safe, uncontroversial stories. The long-term consequences for accountability and transparency are significant.

The Future of News: Navigating a Crisis of Trust

The challenge facing news organizations today isn’t simply about regaining trust; it’s about redefining what trust means in the digital age. Transparency is paramount. News organizations must be upfront about their funding sources, their editorial processes, and any potential conflicts of interest. They must also invest in fact-checking and verification, and be willing to admit mistakes when they occur. Furthermore, fostering media literacy among the public is crucial. Consumers need to be equipped with the skills to critically evaluate information and identify bias.

The CBS News controversy serves as a stark reminder that the fight for editorial independence is far from over. The decisions made today will shape the future of journalism – and the future of informed democracy. What steps will news organizations take to protect their integrity and rebuild public trust? The answer to that question will determine whether the fourth estate can continue to fulfill its vital role in a free society.

What are your predictions for the future of editorial independence in the face of increasing corporate and political pressures? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

December 24, 2025 0 comments

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