CBS News Expands With 19 New Experts
CBS News has added 19 specialists to its roster, ranging from military veterans to neuroscientists and chefs. The hires, unveiled by editor‑in‑chief Bari Weiss, will appear on all CBS platforms immediately.
By Felo News Desk · Published
On January 27, 2026, CBS News announced a sweeping expansion of its on‑air talent pool with the addition of 19 new contributors. The move, revealed by editor‑in‑chief Bari Weiss during an all‑hands meeting, aims to deepen the network’s coverage across politics, national security, health, arts, food, style and other key beats. The new hires will begin appearing across CBS’s television broadcasts and digital platforms right away, bringing a mix of seasoned veterans, academics, authors and culinary experts to the network’s lineup.
Who Is Joining CBS News?
The 19 new contributors span a wide range of disciplines. Below is a brief overview of each:
- Elliot Ackerman – Marine Corps veteran, CIA special operations officer, bestselling author, and senior fellow at Yale’s Jackson School of Global Affairs.
- Peter Attia, MD – Founder of the Outlive app and Early Medical practice, host of the podcast "The Peter Attia Drive," and author of "Outlive: The Science and Art of Longevity."
- Masih Alinejad – Iranian‑American journalist and activist known for her work on women’s rights in Iran and author of "The Wind in My Hair."
- Arthur Brooks – Harvard professor and social scientist, author of New York Times bestsellers and host of the "Office Hours" podcast.
- Roger Carstens – Former U.S. Army Special Forces lieutenant colonel and retired diplomat who served as Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs.
- Caroline Chambers – Cookbook author, podcaster, influencer, and culinary expert based in Carmel Valley, California.
- Clare de Boer – Chef, writer, and owner of Stissing House, with a Substack newsletter recognized by The New Yorker.
- Sir Niall Ferguson – Historian, senior fellow at Stanford’s Hoover Institution, author of 16 books, and columnist for The Free Press.
- Roland Fryer, Jr. – Harvard economics professor, MacArthur Fellow, and author of research on education and inequality.
- Andrew Huberman, Ph.D. – Neuroscientist and tenured professor at Stanford University School of Medicine, host of the Huberman Lab podcast.
- Coleman Hughes – Host of "Conversations with Coleman," columnist for The Free Press, and author of "The End of Race Politics."
- Mark Hyman, MD – Family physician, functional medicine advocate, founder of The UltraWellness Center, and host of "The Dr. Hyman Show."
- Janna Levin – Professor of physics and astronomy at Barnard College, author of books on black holes, and editor of Pioneer Works Broadcast.
- Casey Lewis – Journalist and trend researcher focused on Gen Z and Gen Alpha, former editor at Teen Vogue and MTV.
- HR McMaster – Former national security adviser, retired U.S. Army lieutenant general, and author of "Dereliction of Duty."
- Patrick McGee – Technology journalist, former FT correspondent, author of "Apple in China," with expertise in U.S.–China tech relations.
- Reihan Salam – President of the Manhattan Institute, former executive editor of National Review, and author of "Melting Pot or Civil War?"
- Lauren Sherman – Fashion journalist, former Business of Fashion correspondent, and current correspondent at Puck.
- Derek Thompson – Journalist, author of "Hit Makers" and "On Work," host of the "Plain English" podcast, and contributor to The Atlantic.
Why the Expansion Matters
By bringing in experts from diverse fields, CBS News signals its commitment to in‑depth reporting and specialized analysis. The new contributors will offer fresh perspectives on complex issues, from geopolitical developments to health innovations and cultural trends. Their immediate integration into broadcasts and digital content is expected to enhance viewer engagement and broaden the network’s appeal across demographics.
What Happens Next?
Over the coming weeks, CBS will schedule the new contributors for segments on flagship programs such as "CBS Evening News," "60 Minutes," and CBSN. Viewers can anticipate a mix of investigative pieces, expert panels, and lifestyle features that reflect the expanded talent pool. CBS has not yet outlined a long‑term strategy for these hires, but the network’s focus on rapid deployment suggests a priority on timely, high‑quality content.
Unresolved Questions
While the announcement highlights the breadth of expertise, details on how each contributor will be integrated into specific beats remain sparse. Viewers and industry observers will likely be interested in how CBS balances its traditional news coverage with the new voices in areas like culinary arts and neuroscience.
Key facts
- CBS adds 19 experts across politics, health, arts, and food
- Hires include veterans, academics, chefs, and tech journalists
- Immediate deployment across TV and digital channels
- Expansion aims to deepen analysis and broaden audience appeal
- Details on specific beats and long‑term strategy are pending
Why it matters
CBS’s addition of 19 specialists underscores the network’s push for richer, more nuanced journalism, potentially reshaping how audiences consume news across multiple platforms.
Frequently asked questions
When will the new contributors start appearing on CBS shows?
They began appearing immediately after the announcement on January 27, 2026.
Will CBS provide more information about each contributor’s role?
CBS has not yet released detailed plans for each contributor’s specific beats.
Sources
- [1] cbsnews.com — originally reported as “CBS News names 19 new contributors”
