Full Breakdown
Matt Gutman Appointed CBS News Chief Correspondent
12/9/2025, 9:32:28 PM
New Role and Responsibilities
Award-winning journalist Matt Gutman has been appointed as the chief correspondent for CBS News, effective January 5, 2026. In his new position, Gutman will report for "CBS Mornings" and "CBS Evening News," serve as the lead correspondent for "48 Hours," and contribute to future seasons of "60 Minutes." He will be based in Los Angeles and will also act as a fill-in anchor for the network's flagship broadcasts. Gutman joins CBS News after nearly two decades at ABC News, where he held the role of chief national correspondent.
Career Highlights and Experience
Gutman brings nearly 30 years of experience in journalism, having covered significant national and international events. His reporting portfolio includes major conflicts such as the Israel-Hamas war, Russia's invasion of Ukraine, and the COVID-19 pandemic. He was one of the first journalists to arrive in Israel following the October 7, 2023, terror attacks and has reported extensively on the Israel-Hamas conflict since then. Additionally, Gutman has covered various natural disasters and climate change issues across six continents, showcasing his versatility as a journalist.
Official Statements & Responses
Bari Weiss, CBS News editor-in-chief, expressed enthusiasm about Gutman's appointment, stating, “Matt Gutman goes there. He brings the audience along with him to whatever story he is covering, and he approaches his work with the qualities we look for in all our journalists: fearlessness, energy, and relentlessness.” Tom Cibrowski, president of CBS News, praised Gutman's ability to connect with audiences, emphasizing his immersive storytelling and historical insight. Gutman himself remarked, “I am thrilled to be joining CBS, a network with TV news' most storied past, and most exciting future.”
Criticism & Opposition
While Gutman's appointment has been largely welcomed, some critics may question the implications of his transition from ABC News to CBS News, particularly regarding the editorial direction under new leadership. Concerns about potential biases or shifts in coverage priorities may arise, especially given the competitive nature of news media.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Matt Gutman goes there. He brings the audience along with him to whatever story he is covering, and he approaches his work with the qualities we look for in all our journalists: fearlessness, energy and relentlessness.” — Bari Weiss, CBS News Editor-in-Chief
- “I have worked with Matt for decades and I have seen his innate ability to take viewers into a story,” — Tom Cibrowski, President of CBS News
- “With Bari and Tom at the helm, our mission is to tell the most important news stories and bring our audience along with us to places they wouldn't otherwise be able to go, to give a voice to those who might otherwise not be heard, and to tell it straight," said Gutman.” — Matt Gutman
What's Next
As Gutman prepares to transition to CBS News, industry observers will be watching how his reporting style and focus may influence the network's news coverage. His extensive experience in conflict reporting and immersive storytelling is expected to play a significant role in shaping CBS News' future narratives.
