CBS Weighs Adding Former ESPN Anchor Sage Steele to Its Morning Show Lineup
A famous former sportscaster who turned to politics is apparently being considered for a significant CBS News post. CBS is reportedly interested in Sage Steele, a former ESPN anchor and Trump supporter. Her name has come up in internal network morning program overhaul conversations.
The chat apparently occurred as CBS News considers the future of “CBS Mornings.” The network’s leadership is considering individuals who could mold the program. After a long career in sports journalism, Steele moved into political analysis and independent television.
According to reports, CBS News editor-in-chief Bari Weiss showed interest in Steele during discussions over the show’s future. Network leaders reportedly mentioned Steele several times when discussing hosting gigs. Unknown if those talks led to formal meetings with Steele.
Despite internal network interest, sources say Steele and CBS News are not in talks. This shows that the conversations are still early or part of program direction brainstorming.
Steele rose to national prominence as an ESPN anchor covering major sporting events and presenting programs. Her extensive sports journalism career featured high-profile assignments and interviews with sportsmen and figures.
After settling a lawsuit with Disney, ESPN’s parent corporation, she left ESPN in 2023. Steele claimed the corporation retaliated against her for podcast comments in that case. Comments included criticism of COVID-19 immunization regulations and doubts about former President Barack Obama’s race.
Steele indicated after the settlement and her departure from ESPN that she left to talk more openly about her opinions. She said leaving the corporation would let her express her First Amendment rights without corporate media limitations.
Steele remains involved in media and politics after leaving ESPN. She supported Donald Trump as a surrogate in 2024. She hosts “The Sage Steele Show” podcast and appears on Fox News in addition to political activities.
Her political commentary and conservative media activity have made her famous outside of sports writing. Her supporters see her as a broadcaster who expresses her thoughts, while others say her political activity could make her return to news hosting difficult.
Because morning news shows strive for a nationwide audience, Steele’s possible CBS hire has aroused speculation. Since these shows balance journalism, interviews, and general interest coverage, networks carefully consider hosts’ histories and public personalities.
Internal discussions concerning potential hosts apparently include Steele and others. Additionally, Fox News presenter Kat Timpf, NewsNation anchor Leland Vittert, and New York Times podcast host Michael Barbaro have been mentioned.
These discussions show that CBS is evaluating candidates from various media backgrounds. Some have commentary, podcasting, or TV news experience, while others are journalists.
Neither Steele nor the other identified persons have confirmed their participation in the scheme. As the media landscape becomes more competitive, the network is evaluating new routes for “CBS Mornings” to keep and grow its viewership.
American broadcast journalism’s morning news broadcasts are still popular. As networks adjust to changing viewing patterns and digital media, host and editorial choices can affect how audiences interact with daily news programming.
CBS leadership is reportedly considering numerous possibilities for Steele’s future as it plans the next chapter of one of its most significant news programs.
Sources
Status
The Daily Beast
Public statements by Sage Steele on X (formerly Twitter)
