Full Breakdown
CBS News Updates Style Guidelines on Transgender Terminology
1/15/2026, 10:41:57 PM
Shift in Terminology for Coverage of Transgender Issues
CBS News has revised its style guidelines to mandate the use of the term "biological sex at birth" without quotation marks when reporting on transgender issues, particularly in relation to ongoing Supreme Court cases challenging state bans on transgender athletes competing in women's sports. This directive was communicated by Tom Burke, the network’s senior director of standards and practices, in a memo sent to staff on January 14, 2026. The change represents a significant departure from previous guidelines that aligned with the Trans Journalists Association's (TJA) recommendation to use "assigned sex at birth."
Context of the Change
The updated guidelines come amid heightened scrutiny of CBS News' editorial direction following the appointment of Bari Weiss as editor-in-chief in October 2025. Weiss, known for her conservative viewpoints, has been tasked with restoring audience trust and balancing the network's coverage. The decision to adopt the new terminology coincides with the network's coverage of Supreme Court hearings regarding laws from West Virginia and Idaho that restrict transgender girls and women from participating in sports teams aligned with their gender identity.
Internal Reactions and Criticism
The memo has sparked internal debate among CBS News staff. Jan Crawford, the network's chief legal correspondent, supported the use of "biological sex," arguing that it reflects the terminology used by the U.S. court system. Conversely, Nicole Cutrona, a producer for "CBS Evening News," criticized the term as a "transphobic dog whistle," asserting that its use demonstrates the network's ignorance regarding sex and gender issues. Burke has indicated that the standards team will review the guidance in light of these discussions.
Broader Implications and Reactions
The shift in terminology has drawn criticism from various quarters, including Hakeem Jeffries, the House Democratic leader, who compared CBS Evening News to conservative outlets such as LindellTV and Newsmax. Jeffries expressed confusion over the network's approach to reporting on the January 6 Capitol attack, suggesting that the coverage has become overly sympathetic to right-leaning narratives. This criticism reflects broader concerns about the network's editorial integrity and its commitment to balanced reporting.
Official Statements & Responses
In response to the changes, Burke emphasized the need for CBS News to adapt its standards to regain viewer trust, stating, "The standards for fairness we are holding ourselves to... will surely feel controversial to those used to doing things one way." Meanwhile, CBS News has not publicly commented on the internal discussions surrounding the new guidelines.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While CBS News has adopted the term "biological sex at birth," the TJA's style guide continues to advocate for "assigned sex at birth" in non-medical contexts. This discrepancy highlights ongoing tensions within the media regarding how to address issues of gender identity and representation.
What's Next
As CBS News implements these new guidelines, the network's coverage of transgender issues will likely continue to evolve, reflecting the ongoing debates within journalism about language, representation, and the balance of perspectives in reporting. The implications of these changes will be closely monitored by both supporters and critics of the network's editorial direction.
