CBS Mornings has reportedly suffered a significant drop in viewers following the recent departure of longtime journalist and fan favorite Scott Pelley. 
The show’s ratings troubles come after a period of major upheaval behind the scenes. Last month, several producers were let go from the program, with veteran broadcaster Scott Pelley later exiting as well.
Before his departure, Scott had publicly criticized changes reportedly being implemented by CBS Mornings editor-in-chief Bari Weiss, claiming that the direction of the show was effectively “murdering” the program.
According to reports, Scott then received a termination letter the following day, ending a remarkable 37-year career with CBS News.
Now, new audience figures suggest the fallout may already be having an impact.
Recent Nielsen ratings data covering the period surrounding Scott’s departure indicates that CBS Mornings is on pace to record its lowest-rated June in the program’s history.
The report shows average viewership falling from approximately 1.8 million viewers to around 1.59 million viewers following Scott’s exit.
That represents an estimated decline of roughly 11 percent in a relatively short period of time.
The sudden audience drop has led some observers to describe the situation as a significant “hemorrhaging” of viewers, with many longtime fans reportedly choosing not to tune in following Scott’s departure.
Despite the decline, network executives do not appear to be overly concerned.
Media reporter Oliver Darcy noted that while the ratings slide had reportedly alarmed some CBS officials, there was also a belief within the company that any viewer backlash would likely prove temporary.
According to Darcy, executives expect that any apparent audience protest connected to Scott’s exit will eventually fade and that viewers will return over time.
CBS Mornings is currently anchored by Gayle King and Nate Burleson, who continue to front the network’s flagship morning program.
However, the recent ratings figures have fueled discussion among viewers about the impact of losing a trusted and familiar television presence.
Scott Pelley had spent nearly four decades at CBS News, becoming one of the network’s most recognizable journalists.
Throughout his career, he reported on major national and international stories, including assignments from conflict zones around the world and coverage of some of the biggest events in modern history.
For many viewers, his departure marks the end of an era at CBS.
Whether the ratings decline proves to be a short-term reaction or part of a larger trend remains to be seen, but the latest numbers have undoubtedly raised questions about the future direction of CBS Mornings.
Source: https://www.the-sun.com/tv/16563795/cbs-mornings-ratings-60-minutes-scott-pelley-firing/
