Matt Gutman filled in for Tony Dokoupil on CBS Evening News for two weeks, delivering about 4.1 million viewers and the program’s best performance in 17 weeks—the first time it topped 4 million since March— underscoring ongoing ratings challenges after CBS’s overhaul and prompting internal questions about Dokoupil’s tenure and vacation.
Mediaite, a liberal news outlet, mistakenly reported a fake statement attributed to former President Trump regarding the euthanization of Peanut the Squirrel, a social media sensation. The statement criticized New York state officials for euthanizing the pet while ignoring crimes by illegal immigrants. After realizing the error, Mediaite issued a correction, acknowledging the statement was not real. Peanut, who had over 500,000 Instagram followers, was seized and euthanized by New York's Department of Environmental Conservation, sparking widespread social media reactions.
Mediaite has released its list of the Most Influential in News Media for 2023. Brian Stelter, former CNN host, remained a reliable source for news media coverage, joining Vanity Fair as a special correspondent and podcast host. Matt Belloni, founding partner of Puck, continued to build his audience through his podcast and columns, providing insights into the entertainment industry. Jesse Rodriguez, VP of editorial and booking at MSNBC, played a crucial role in shaping the network's coverage and securing big interviews. Eric Bolling, host of Newsmax's The Balance, established himself as a prominent figure in the Republican Party's right-wing media. Molly Jong-Fast, a special correspondent at Vanity Fair and cable news commentator, became a key voice for progressives in navigating the political landscape.