CBS News staff members are adjusting to the appointment of controversial commentator Bari Weiss as their new editor-in-chief. This decision coincides with the acquisition of her publication, the Free Press, by network owner Paramount in a reported deal valued at $150 million. Employees have expressed a range of emotions, from skepticism to apprehension, regarding Weiss’s suitability for the role.
In conversations with the Guardian, several current CBS News employees voiced their frustrations. One staff member described the atmosphere by stating, “A throwing up emoji is not enough of a reflection of the feelings in here. It’s utterly depressing.” Concerns were raised about Weiss’s lack of experience in television news, particularly her focus on a political agenda rather than traditional hard news reporting.
Another employee noted the ongoing turbulence within CBS News, remarking, “It’s been 18 months of lurching through reported mergers, legal threats, lawsuits, settlements, and firings.” They expressed trepidation about having to adapt to yet another leadership change, emphasizing the uncertainty surrounding Weiss’s impact on the network.
Weiss did not attend the network’s daily 09:00 editorial call after her appointment, although CBS News president Tom Cibrowski, who will work alongside her, mentioned she would participate in future meetings. An employee present during the call described the atmosphere as “pretty stone-faced,” reflecting the concerns of staff.
David Ellison, CEO of Paramount and son of billionaire tech mogul Larry Ellison, defended Weiss’s appointment, stating that she would help position CBS News as “the most trusted name in news.” He praised her “passion for reaching broad audiences” and commitment to “rigorous, fact-based reporting.”
Despite this endorsement, staff members remain cautious. One employee shared, “I’m in mostly in wait and see mode. Pessimistic and skeptical, but willing to see what she does.” Another voiced concern over the financial implications, noting the price tag for Weiss’s role is “pretty indefensible,” especially as the newsroom prepares for further cuts.
The network has faced sustained uncertainty at the top over the past year, with numerous leadership changes. Recently, Paramount was criticized for settling a lawsuit filed by Donald Trump for $16 million, regarding a pre-election interview with Kamala Harris. Legal experts had deemed the lawsuit largely meritless, which has added to the scrutiny surrounding the network’s management practices.
The structure of Weiss’s new position has also raised eyebrows. She will report directly to Ellison rather than to Cibrowski or George Cheeks, who oversees Paramount’s television operations. A former CBS News insider questioned this unusual arrangement, stating, “I am not sure there is any other network that has this structure. It is unclear to me how she is going to wield this power.”
Current employees are particularly interested in Weiss’s editorial decisions moving forward. One commented, “Ruling by edict from the top won’t be enough to change things. She’ll need lieutenants in the trenches cracking whips over our heads.”
In a memo addressed to CBS News staff, Weiss expressed her eagerness to engage with employees, stating, “I want to hear from you about what’s working, what isn’t, and your thoughts on how we can make CBS News the most trusted news organization in America and the world.” She concluded on a positive note, saying, “I’m profoundly honored to join you – and I can’t wait to get started.”
As CBS News navigates this new chapter, the response from staff highlights a complex mix of hope and skepticism regarding Weiss’s leadership and the future direction of the network.
