Matt Gutman Joins CBS News Amidst Leadership Shift & Past Scrutiny
CBS News is undergoing significant changes, welcoming veteran journalist Matt Gutman while navigating a new editorial direction under recently appointed Editor-in-Chief Bari Weiss.This move comes as CBS prepares for a transition in its evening news anchor lineup, with both John Dickerson and Maurice DuBois set too depart. Let’s break down what you need to know about Gutman’s arrival and the context surrounding it.
A New Role for a Familiar Face
Matt Gutman, formerly a chief national correspondent at ABC News, will join CBS News as a correspondent. Sources indicate ABC News did not attempt to retain him when his contract expired, paving the way for this move.
Gutman brings over 15 years of experience to CBS, having joined ABC in 2008 as a radio correspondent. He’s covered major international events and domestic crises, including:
* The 2017 Las Vegas mass shooting.
* The 2018 Thailand cave rescue.
* Extensive reporting from Israel following the October 7th,2023 Hamas attack.
* The devastating 2024 Los Angeles wildfires.
Weiss Takes the Helm at CBS News
This personnel shift coincides with Bari Weiss’s recent appointment as Editor-in-Chief of CBS News. Weiss, a co-founder of The Free Press, is expected to bring a distinct editorial perspective to the network. The specifics of her vision for CBS News are still unfolding, but her arrival signals a potential shift in the network’s approach to news coverage.
Past Controversies & Gutman’s Response
Gutman’s career hasn’t been without its challenges. he faced a suspension from ABC News in 2020 after mistakenly reporting that all four of kobe Bryant’s daughters were aboard the helicopter that tragically crashed, resulting in the death of the NBA icon and eight others.
He publicly apologized, attributing the error to a panic attack experienced live on air. Gutman later detailed his long-standing battle with anxiety and panic attacks in a 2023 book.
More recently, Gutman drew criticism for his coverage of the inquiry into the shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. During an ABC News report, he described text messages between the alleged shooter, Tyler Robinson, and his transgender roommate as “vrey touching in a way we did not expect.”
This phrasing sparked a swift backlash online. Gutman subsequently apologized, clarifying his intention was to highlight the stark contrast between the violent act and the personal nature of the messages. He stated he regretted his words didn’t convey that contrast clearly.
What This Means for CBS News Viewers
You can expect Gutman to contribute his extensive reporting experience to CBS News’ coverage of national and international events. His background suggests a focus on in-depth investigations and on-the-ground reporting.
The combination of Gutman’s arrival and Weiss’s leadership promises a period of change for CBS News.As the network navigates these transitions, it will be crucial to observe how these developments impact its journalistic approach and its connection with you, the viewer.
Sources:
* [https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/business/story/2025-10-27/cbs-evening-news-co-anchor-john-dickerson-will-leave-the-network-at-the-end-of-the-year](https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/business/story/2025-10-27/cbs-evening-news-co-anchor-john-dickerson-will-leave-the-network-at-the-end
