WGA Condemns CBS News Layoffs and Scott Pelley's Firing
Originally published Jun 4, 2026
By Todd Spangler · Variety
AI-generated summary based on Variety · Aggregated by Filmarian · Human-reviewed and approved on Jun 4, 2026
Key points
- The WGA East criticized CBS News for layoffs and Scott Pelley's firing.
- Tom Fontana called the actions 'cruel and needless' and an 'assault' on CBS News.
- The guild accused CBS of showing 'profound contempt for the journalism profession.'
- The shutdown of CBS News Radio was also condemned in the statement.
- Fontana's message reflects concerns about the future of journalism under corporate ownership.
The Writers Guild of America East has criticized CBS News for recent layoffs, the firing of Scott Pelley, and the shutdown of CBS News Radio. In a message to members, WGA East president Tom Fontana described the actions as an 'assault' on a journalistic institution. The guild expressed concern over what it called a 'profound contempt for the journalism profession.'
Fontana specifically labeled the layoffs as 'cruel and needless,' highlighting the impact on the news industry. The WGA East's statement reflects broader concerns about the treatment of journalists and the sustainability of news organizations under corporate ownership.
Read the original story: Variety