Oliver Darcy

Oliver Darcy is the founder and lead author of Status.

The WHCD Do-Over Dilemma

Apr 30, 2026

The WHCA has been quietly meeting this week to plot its next move after the shooting upended the annual dinner—and despite industry skepticism, Status has learned that a do-over event is still very much on the table.

CBS’ Ratings Calamity

Apr 28, 2026

New Nielsen data obtained by Status shows Tony Dokoupil’s “Evening News” sinking to historic lows, with veteran TV news executives casting the network as a “sinking ship” and blaming its woes on Bari Weiss.

Bari’s London Calling

Apr 27, 2026

A major shakeup at CBS News’ London bureau comes after months of behind-the-scenes friction with Bari Weiss, Status has learned—raising serious questions about the future of the network’s international reporting.

Shooting Shatters WHCD

Apr 26, 2026

The annual black-tie affair was thrown into chaos when a shooter attempted to storm into the ballroom where Donald Trump and administration officials gathered with journalists for a celebration of the First Amendment.

Inside the 2026 Status WHCD Event

Apr 25, 2026

Status hosted an evening in Washington celebrating the First Amendment with those who actually value a free press—and Donald Trump’s anti-free speech officials were not invited.

MacFarlane Gets Candid

Apr 23, 2026

The former CBS News Justice correspondent joined Power Lines for a wide-ranging and blunt discussion on Donald Trump’s WHCD invite, legacy newsrooms platforming lies, and more.

Trump Spills on 'Squawk’

Apr 21, 2026

Appearing on CNBC, Donald Trump pulled back the curtain on how his "Squawk Box" interview came together—revealing more than the network likely wanted and raising questions about its booking process.

Carr’s Drive-Thru Dinner

Apr 20, 2026

Donald Trump’s FCC chair Brendan Carr is set to attend the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, Status has learned, where he will mingle with journalists and news executives at an event ostensibly about celebrating the First Amendment.

Ellison’s Hill Hide and Seek

Apr 16, 2026

Cory Booker has renewed his invitation for David Ellison to appear before Congress, the senator told Status—this time asking the Paramount boss to appear when he is in town “honoring” the Trump White House.

Mediaite’s Reporting Mess

Apr 14, 2026

Mediaite has suspended its founding editor after Status uncovered the outlet had fabricated quotes and committed other egregious errors, raising serious questions about its reporting.

Stars Align to Stop Ellison

Apr 13, 2026

More than 1,000 Hollywood A-listers and industry professionals signed a letter opposing Paramount’s takeover of Warner Bros. Discovery—an effort that quickly snowballed behind the scenes, Status has learned.

CNN’s Heir Apparent

Apr 9, 2026

In a little-noticed move, CNN boss Mark Thompson elevated Alex MacCallum to COO—quietly signaling his preferred succession plan at the network, Status has learned. The move is likely unwelcome news for others at CNN jockeying for the top position.

‘60 Minutes’ to Midnight

Apr 7, 2026

As the future of the CBS News program’s top producer hangs in the balance, Bari Weiss has also privately raised The Free Press during discussions about the show, Status has learned.

POLITICO's New Playbook

Apr 6, 2026

The Rosslyn-based outlet is preparing yet another Playbook shakeup, Status has learned, removing author Jack Blanchard from the helm and handing incoming top editor Jonathan Greenberger a major decision at the start of his tenure.

Shell Shocked

Apr 2, 2026

Less than a year into the job as Paramount president, Jeff Shell is negotiating his exit after being accused of leaking, Status has learned—creating a fresh headache for David Ellison.

Bari's ‘60’ Blow Up Plan

Mar 31, 2026

Earlier this year, Bari Weiss was talked out of making changes to "60 Minutes" midseason, Status has learned—but with the summer break approaching, her eyes are now trained squarely on the famed newsmagazine.

The White House Picture Police

Mar 30, 2026

Of the many images captured months ago during a Thanksgiving briefing, one of Karoline Leavitt incensed the White House, resulting in a remarkable chain of events that led to its removal from the photo wires, Status has learned.

Business Insider’s Subscriber Spiral

Mar 26, 2026

Internal figures obtained by Status show that the digital publication’s subscription business is not only failing to grow, but contracting at a jarring rate—raising questions about the company’s trajectory.

Weiss’ Ratings Wipeout

Mar 24, 2026

Six months into Bari Weiss’ overhaul of CBS News, new ratings data obtained by Status shows its flagship programs are shedding viewers at an alarming rate, collapsing to historic lows and accelerating the network’s decline.

CNN’s Staff Surgery

Mar 23, 2026

As anxious staffers await David Ellison’s arrival, CNN is also preparing to cut employees this week as part of Mark Thompson’s digital overhaul, Status has learned.

CBS’ Judgment Day

Mar 19, 2026

Staffers at CBS News tell Status they are “on edge like crazy” as the newsroom readies itself for mass layoffs overseen by Bari Weiss that will reshape the storied outlet around her vision for it.

MS NOW’s Midday Makeover

Mar 17, 2026

Over the last several months, MS NOW boss Rebecca Kutler has been quietly working to revamp the network’s dayside lineup—and now, Status has learned some key details of the plan.

King’s Morning Reign

Mar 11, 2026

When CBS News announced Gayle King’s renewal last week, it offered few specifics about the deal. Status has since learned some of the key details.

Ellison’s Foreign Funding Furor

Mar 10, 2026

While David Ellison is vowing to protect CNN’s independence as he prepares to take over Warner Bros. Discovery, Democratic senators are raising fresh concerns to Status about Paramount’s expected use of foreign money in the deal.

MacFarlane's CBS Verdict

Mar 9, 2026

In his farewell memo, CBS News Justice correspondent Scott MacFarlane made no mention about why he had had chosen to exit—but privately he had been more candid abut his frustrations, Status has learned.