Scott MacFarlane '98

Scott MacFarlane is the congressional correspondent for CBS News, reporting from the network’s Washington bureau across all broadcasts and platforms. He has covered Washington, D.C., and the federal government for nearly 20 years, earning recognition for investigations that have driven policy change and accountability.

MacFarlane’s reporting on the aftermath of the January 6th insurrection at the U.S. Capitol included exclusive interviews with defendants and contributions to the public release of federal evidence. His investigative series on teacher licensing loopholes and child sexual abuse allegations led to five new state laws and congressional hearings, while his coverage of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs was cited in House Oversight Committee hearings. He has also been recognized for reporting on school security, K-9 working conditions under the State Department, and thoroughbred horse racing deaths in West Virginia.

Before joining CBS News, MacFarlane was an investigative reporter for NBC’s Washington station WRC-TV, a Washington correspondent for Cox Media Group, and a reporter for CBS-owned stations in Detroit. He has received more than 20 regional Emmy and Edward R. Murrow Awards.

A summa cum laude graduate of Syracuse University’s Newhouse School, MacFarlane began his career at WAER. He produced The Miracle Microphone, a documentary on WAER’s history and lasting impact.