A CBS Evening News producer has publicly criticized the network's editorial direction under new management, accusing journalists of being forced to "self-censor or avoid challenging narratives." Producer Alicia Hastey announced her departure through a farewell note to colleagues, explaining her decision to take a buyout from the program.

Hastey's letter, shared on X by New York Times media reporter Ben Mullin, comes amid significant changes at CBS News following the arrival of Bari Weiss, a MAGA-curious TV novice now running the network. The criticism also implicitly targets Tony Dokoupil, the Evening News host Weiss installed despite previous criticism of his performance.

The public airing of internal discontent highlights growing tensions at major news organizations as they navigate political pressures and changing audience expectations. Hastey's decision to speak out rather than quietly depart signals deeper concerns about journalistic integrity at the network, particularly as CBS attempts to position itself with a more Trump-friendly editorial stance.