United StatesOwnership & classification
Founded: 1927
Ownership
CBS News is the news division of the CBS network, which originated in 1927 as United Independent Broadcasters and was renamed the Columbia Broadcasting System in 1928-1929; CBS News as a service dates to around 1929. As of August 2025 CBS is owned by Paramount Skydance, the company formed when David Ellison's Skydance Media merged with Paramount Global (and Shari Redstone's National Amusements). Control now rests with the Ellison family and their investment partners through Paramount Skydance.
Funding
CBS News is financed commercially via broadcast and streaming advertising, affiliate/carriage fees and subscriptions to Paramount's streaming services, all inside the publicly traded parent. It receives no state or party money.
Affiliation & stance
CBS News is owned by a commercial, publicly traded corporation rather than any party or government, so it is INDEPENDENT. After the 2025 Skydance takeover, new ownership made editorially conservative-leaning changes (acquiring The Free Press and naming Bari Weiss editor-in-chief), but this is private-owner influence, not party/state control.
Editorial lean
- Our estimate
- Lean Progressive
- Measured from coverage
- Centerbased on 481
77/100
Factual
75/100
Objective
607
Articles
607
reports
Factual: How accurately its articles report the facts, judged against primary sources and the cross-outlet consensus. Only articles that cite their sources are counted.
Objective: How neutral the writing is — whether reporting keeps the writer’s own preferences and opinions out of the article.
Recent coverage
Jim Bakker, televangelist who co-founded "The PTL Club" empire, dies at 86
Jim Bakker, a prominent televangelist who co-founded 'The PTL Club' television network with his first wife Tammy Faye, has died at the age of 86. The couple gained fame through their charismatic ministry and television programs but faced significant downfall due to a sex scandal involving Bakker's relationship with a young woman named Amy Davis, as well as allegations of financial misconduct. Their empire, which included churches and businesses, was severely damaged by these controversies. Bakker's death marks the end of a career that was both influential and controversial within Christian broadcasting.
Why the U.S. Bomber Withdrawal From a U.K. Air Base Is Significant
The U.S. has withdrawn its B-1 bombers from RAF Fairford in southern England, a decision made amid heightened security concerns following a suspected terror plot linked to Iran. The move was confirmed by a U.S. Defense Department official, who stated that the bombers have returned to their home stations in the U.S., though no specific reason for the withdrawal was provided. The timing of the removal coincides with the arrest of five U.K. nationals on suspicion of terrorism-related offenses near the base, following intelligence about suspicious vehicles approaching the facility. A dual British-Iranian national was also arrested in London in connection with the case. Experts suggest the withdrawal reflects growing concerns about the safety of U.S. military assets stationed overseas, particularly in light of potential Iranian involvement.
Howie Mandel opens up about how OCD impacts his daily life
Howie Mandel discussed his experience living with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) during an interview with David Begnaud for the segment 'The Person Who Believed In Me.' He shared insights into how OCD affects his daily routines and reflected on how the condition has influenced his professional journey. Mandel provided personal perspectives on managing his symptoms and highlighted both the challenges and benefits OCD has brought to his career. The conversation aimed to raise awareness about OCD and offer a deeper understanding of how individuals navigate life with the disorder.
Justice Alito on Originalism
In a recent Wall Street Journal article based on his forthcoming book, Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito discusses his views on constitutional originalism. He argues for a 'populist' version of originalism, emphasizing the original public meaning of the Constitution as understood by ordinary people rather than legal elites. Alito imagines everyday colonists discussing the First Amendment in a tavern, suggesting that their interpretation would reflect common understanding rather than philosophical or legal expertise. However, he acknowledges potential drawbacks of the populist approach, including the risk of misunderstanding technical legal terms and challenges in addressing modern issues unforeseen by the Founding Fathers. While Alito leans toward populism, he suggests a hybrid approach combining elite and popular interpretations could be optimal.
Christa Pike survived lethal injection. How your state carries out executions
Christa Pike, a woman convicted of murdering a classmate over three decades ago, survived two lethal injection doses during her scheduled execution in Tennessee, sparking renewed debate over execution protocols across the United States. This incident has raised questions about the reliability and safety of lethal injection, which accounts for approximately 89% of all executions since 1976. While lethal injection is the most commonly used method, other states employ alternatives such as electrocution, lethal gas, and firing squads. Tennessee’s case highlights variations in execution procedures, with some states allowing inmates to choose their method. The Supreme Court mandates that the death penalty be reserved for the most severe crimes, yet the controversy surrounding Pike’s survival underscores ongoing concerns about the ethics and effectiveness of capital punishment.
Chinese ‘Spy’ Caught Making A Run For It After Secret U.S. Mission
The U.S. Justice Department arrested 34-year-old Wanying 'Heather' Zhang, a real estate agent in California, at Los Angeles International Airport while she attempted to flee to China. Zhang is accused of acting as an unregistered foreign agent for the People's Republic of China (PRC), having surveilled a close relative of Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te in Seattle in 2025. Federal authorities claim she coordinated the surveillance mission with another individual and used methods to evade detection. The FBI alleges that Zhang sent photos, videos, and license plate information to PRC officials, potentially providing them with leverage over Taiwan during a potential conflict. This arrest follows heightened U.S. efforts to counter Chinese espionage, particularly under the Trump administration. A spokesperson for Taiwan's president described the incident as part of a broader strategy of 'transnational repression' targeting individuals advocating for democratic values.
Nobu chef killed after teen driver crashes into parked car in California
Ryo Uchimiya, a 51-year-old sushi chef at Nobu Malibu in California, was killed in a traffic accident involving a 16-year-old driver. Uchimiya had been working at the restaurant for 25 years and was parked along the curb, napping in his car before starting his shift on Saturday morning. At approximately 6:50 a.m., the teenager drove his Range Rover into the rear of Uchimiya's parked sedan. According to investigators, the teenager did not appear to be under the influence but may not have had a valid driver's license. The crash caused a chain reaction, pushing Uchimiya's car into two other vehicles. Uchimiya died from multiple blunt force injuries, and the cause of death was ruled an accident. Witnesses described the teenager as confused and unaccompanied by his parents after the crash. The area where the incident occurred, Pacific Coast Highway, has previously been flagged as dangerous due to frequent speeding incidents. Local authorities had declared a state of emergency in November 2023 after a similar fatal crash on the same road.
Daughter Gives Brutal Parting Shot To Sobbing ‘American Idol’ Killer Sentenced To Life
Caleb Flynn, a former 'American Idol' contestant and worship pastor, was sentenced to life in prison without parole for murdering his wife, Ashley, in their Ohio home in February while their two daughters were present. During the sentencing hearing, Flynn maintained his innocence, claiming he did not kill his wife. His daughters, aged 12 and 10, expressed deep emotional distress in victim impact statements read by Ashley's mother, highlighting their anger over his infidelity with his former worship partner. Both girls condemned Flynn's actions, calling the affair a betrayal. Ashley's family, including her sister and husband, emphasized their forgiveness toward Flynn and their commitment to raising his children alongside their own daughters. The judge criticized Flynn's actions as driven by greed, selfishness, and lust, and ordered him to pay $20,000 in restitution for funeral costs.
College sports tradition "Hawkeye Wave" reaches new high, as opposing team gets involved
The 'Hawkeye Wave' is a tradition at Iowa Hawkeyes home football games where fans turn away and wave at children in the windows of a nearby children's hospital. The article highlights this community-focused event as a positive example of fan engagement beyond the sport itself.
Justice Alito on the Supreme Court: "We are not part of any political movement"
In a rare interview with CBS News, Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito addressed concerns about the politicization of the judiciary. He emphasized that the justices are not aligned with any political movement and criticized leaders from both major political parties for portraying them as such. Alito stressed the importance of maintaining the court's independence and neutrality. The interview highlights ongoing debates about the role of the Supreme Court in American politics and the perception of judicial impartiality.
Buttigieg goes big to help 2026 Dems
Pete Buttigieg, former U.S. Secretary of Transportation, is actively campaigning across multiple states ahead of the 2022 midterm elections, supporting Democratic candidates in both competitive and traditionally Republican-leaning regions. His efforts aim to strengthen his political profile while reinforcing his message linking economic issues with broader political reforms. Buttigieg is positioning himself as a strategic ally for the Democratic Party, focusing on relationship-building that could benefit him if he seeks the presidency in 2028. Despite lacking a high-profile office or significant personal wealth, Buttigieg has endorsed over 100 candidates and personally campaigned for many of them, appearing in 37 states since leaving his federal post. His recent appearances in New Hampshire highlighted his growing influence within the party.
How did the Cornell rape case go so wrong?
In October 2024, a student at Cornell University reported a sexual assault by multiple men at a fraternity house, which was initially treated as a campus matter. Two years later, the victim, referred to as 'Jane Doe,' filed a civil lawsuit against the university, fraternity, sorority organizations, and a local bar, alleging they failed to protect her. The accused men's lawyers denied the claims, while Cornell stated disciplinary actions resulted in suspensions and expulsions. When Doe reported the incident to campus police, the district attorney's office determined the allegations did not meet the criteria for criminal charges. Despite reopening the investigation, the district attorney defended his initial decision. Governor Kathy Hochul appointed State Attorney General Letitia James as a special prosecutor, expressing loss of confidence in the district attorney. Legal experts like Lauren Hersh discuss the handling of such cases, limitations of consent laws, and potential reforms.
2 dead, including student, in Central Florida school bus crash, sheriff says
On October 5, 2026, a school bus in central Florida overturned during a multi-vehicle crash, resulting in two fatalities, including a 10th-grade student, and multiple injuries. The incident occurred shortly after 6 a.m. on a Winter Haven road when an oncoming car crossed the center line and collided with the bus near its rear wheels. The impact caused the bus to flip onto its roof and crash into a burning Jeep, leading to one additional fatality. Emergency responders worked through the morning to evacuate passengers, identify individuals, and reunite students with their families. This marks the second school bus-related incident in Polk County within a month, though the previous crash did not involve students. Local officials expressed condolences and emphasized the importance of safety protocols, noting that students are trained to exit buses safely during emergencies.