CBS in the news as it shifts staff, absorbs leadership tensions, and eyes streaming layout changes. Broadcasting giant; longtime CBS News flagship.
Paramount Skydance plans to merge HBO Max into a new service, creating a platform with around 200 million subscribers. The move aims to compete with Netflix and Disney, but the deal faces regulatory scrutiny and industry challenges amid a shifting media landscape.
The NCAA tournament's viewership increased by 7% compared to last year, with record-breaking numbers for the first week. All rounds saw higher audiences, including the most-watched second round since 1993 and the most-watched first-round primetime games in history, driven by expanded coverage on CBS, TBS, TNT, and truTV.
The NCAA Tournament has attracted its highest TV audience since 1993, with an average of 10.3 million viewers across four networks, up 9% from last year. The Elite Eight game between UConn and Duke peaked at nearly 19 million viewers. Despite fewer upsets, interest remains high.
CBS News has been undergoing significant changes as new leadership attempts to shift the network's editorial and operational strategies. Bari Weiss and Tom Cibrowski are reportedly working with differing visions, leading to internal frustrations and ratings challenges. Meanwhile, other media outlets are adjusting their staffing and programming to adapt to industry shifts.
President Donald Trump has said he will suspend the 18.4¢ federal gasoline tax "till it's appropriate" to ease rising pump prices; he has endorsed legislation Sen. Josh Hawley is introducing but cannot act unilaterally. Suspension would cut roughly 4% from retail prices and would reduce funds for the Highway Trust Fund.
The governing coalition has passed a preliminary Knesset vote to dissolve parliament and has sent the bill to committee; if the law clears final readings it will force elections at least 90 days later. Ultra‑Orthodox parties are pressuring Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over a draft‑exemption for yeshiva students while the coalition is rushing controversial judicial and media reforms through committees.