CBS News has appointed veteran journalist Susan Zirinsky as interim executive editor for standards. This follows a series of incidents raising concerns about the network's adherence to journalistic standards. Zirinsky, a former president of CBS News, will temporarily lead the standards department, overseeing journalist practices and vetting reports.
The appointment comes after several controversies. In November 2024, the network faced a lawsuit from Donald Trump following a “Face the Nation” preview of a “60 Minutes” interview with Vice President Kamala Harris. Trump alleged deceptive editing. An October 2024 “CBS Mornings” interview also drew criticism for not meeting journalistic standards. Most recently, the January 12, 2025, “60 Minutes” segment on the U.S. role in the Israel-Hamas war faced accusations of biased reporting.
Paramount Global co-CEO George Cheeks addressed these issues in a memo: “In today’s fast-moving news environment, it is critical for newsrooms to quickly and effectively deliver balanced, accurate, fair and timely reporting, including highly complex, sensitive issues like the war in the Middle East. CBS News takes this responsibility seriously. While there is no way to cover such sensitive issues without provoking some degree of criticism, we have a responsibility to address those concerns. This includes feedback regarding perceived bias in some CBS News coverage. We cannot let this negatively affect our legacy or our future, our mission or our connection to our viewers.”
Zirinsky's extensive experience is expected to help CBS News navigate these challenges and reinforce its commitment to unbiased reporting. The network aims to fill the position permanently in the future.