CBS News Makes Changes Under New Editor-in-Chief

CBS News Editor-in-Chief Bari Weiss has apparently taken some by surprise with her recent appointment of Tom Cybrowski, the group’s president. Reports indicate that she announced the hiring of Charles Forel, the former editor-in-chief of the Wall Street Journal, as one of her primary deputies.

This decision was shared during an editorial meeting on Tuesday morning, where Weiss informed the staff that Forel will serve as deputy editor for several months, according to sources cited by Breaker Media.

Weiss’s move is part of a series of swift changes since she took the reins at CBS, following a directive from Paramount Skydance CEO David Ellison to make the network more “balanced” and rooted in facts.

Forel, who is 44, has had a lengthy career at the Journal, advancing from intern to associate editor over more than two decades. He has previously managed global financial reporting and held the role of European financial editor. His accomplishments include winning notable awards like the Pulitzer Prize for Public Service, the George Polk Award, and the Gerald Loeb Award.

Interestingly, sources revealed that Forel left the Journal recently, having built a close working rapport with his team. The circumstances surrounding his departure have not yet been clarified by the Journal.

In November, staff at the Journal expressed surprise when one of Forel’s subordinates was promoted to a high-ranking newsroom role, allegedly at his encouragement. This incident led to scrutiny from editor-in-chief Emma Tucker regarding the promotion process.

Weiss’s arrival has already prompted significant changes, including a shake-up at key programs like “60 Minutes” and “CBS Evening News.” Just days after her appointment, long-time standards director Claudia Milne departed, an action some insiders termed Weiss’s “first scalp.” She is now focused on steering the editorial direction, questioning staff about perceived biases, and encouraging a more diverse range of political voices among guests.

Amidst all these rearrangements, Weiss, at just 41, transitioned to CBS News after selling her digital publication, The Free Press, for a notable sum. Her appointment comes during a time when the network is under pressure to address claims of liberal bias, particularly following a recent settlement with Donald Trump concerning a “60 Minutes” interview.