CBS News Faces Leadership Challenges Amid Low Ratings

CBS News is struggling with its lowest ratings in history, and editor-in-chief Bari Weiss and network president Tom Szybrowski have presented very different plans to revive the network. Many staff members have started to call them an “odd couple.”

Bari Weiss, 42, co-founder of the controversial news outlet The Free Press, stepped into her role last October with a bold digital strategy and a centrist editorial approach. Her goal seems to be to reclaim CBS’s reputation for tough journalism, reminiscent of figures like Edward R. Murrow and Walter Cronkite.

On the flip side, insiders indicate that Szybrowski, a veteran of ABC News known for producing popular shows like “Good Morning America,” is leaning towards softer storytelling that zeroes in on Central America. It’s interesting, really—perhaps it’s a sign of the times?

David Ellison, CEO of Paramount Skydance, hoped that Weiss and Szybrowski’s strengths would complement each other when he took charge of CBS’s parent company last fall. Unfortunately, it seems that may not be happening as expected.

One CBS source commented, “They’re an odd couple. There doesn’t seem to be much synergy between the two.” In contrast, some close to the network argue that their visions can work together, mixing elements from ABC with Weiss’s fresh ideas. After all, change does take time, right?

Interestingly, Weiss had approached former NBC News president Noah Oppenheim to join her at CBS. Oppenheim, who has since become a Hollywood screenwriter, turned down the offer.

Recently, while Weiss and Szybrowski are technically collaborating, Weiss has two assistants, Adam Rubenstein and Charles Forel, which Szybrowski refers to somewhat dismissively as “Bari and his cronies.” It’s almost like he’s setting himself apart.

Weiss’s office is conveniently located near the newsroom, while Szybrowski is positioned on a different floor. This physical separation has raised some eyebrows, with one source pointing out that the typical structure would have the second-in-command much closer to the top. It leaves you wondering about the dynamics at play here.

A CBS spokesperson pushed back against criticisms of this arrangement, stating that Weiss focuses on editorial matters while Szybrowski handles business operations. This arrangement, they said, represents a collaboration that can lead to success.

Meanwhile, sources insist that Szybrowski is not in a subordinate position to Weiss; he reports to CBS CEO George Cheeks, while Weiss answers to David Ellison. Still, it seems Szybrowski faces a challenge: major editorial decisions ultimately depend on Weiss.

With ratings for “CBS Evening News” dropping by 7% compared to last year—averaging 4.2 million viewers—Szybrowski is feeling the heat. Meanwhile, the demographic of 25-to-54-year-olds fell 18% to 535,000 viewers. It’s hard to ignore that kind of decline.

Szybrowski’s approach has reportedly shifted programming towards “softer” content, which critics contend dilutes the network’s news credibility. One insider bluntly remarked that “CBS News is becoming ABC News Lite.” Moreover, another suggested that Szybrowski’s perspective on audience needs may be misguided.

Despite attempts, the ratings have dipped below 4 million on multiple occasions—marking a record low for an Evening News program. This is concerning, given the competitive landscape with strong players like David Muir at ABC and Tom Llamas at NBC. CBS’s recent layoffs have further stretched their resource pool thin.

Looking at the morning segment, “CBS Mornings” has not fared much better, averaging just under 1.8 million viewers—a 13% decrease from last year. The younger demographic has plunged by 27%, marking the worst quarter in its history.

Staffing issues complicate things further. With frequent changes and cuts, finding a steady anchor for “CBS Evening News” has turned out to be more difficult than anticipated. It appears that support for Szybrowski from the top may not be as strong as needed, leaving him in a tough spot.

One insider summed it up, saying, “The problem is that there is no bench and very few frontline personnel.” It certainly raises questions about the future direction of CBS News as they navigate this turbulent phase.