Bari Weiss, the head of CBS News, is currently involved in a contentious power struggle with the network’s president, Tom Cibrowski. According to insiders, this conflict is creating challenges for the newsroom, and staff members are speculating that one of them might be forced out if the low ratings persist this season.
Weiss, who was appointed as editor-in-chief last October, is tasked with shifting the left-leaning focus of the network towards a more centrist viewpoint, as directed by David Ellison, the CEO of CBS’s parent company, Paramount Skydance. Sources indicate that she intends to bring back in-depth news coverage reminiscent of the old days with journalism icons like Edward R. Murrow and Walter Cronkite.
In contrast, Cibrowski, who has a long history at ABC News, prefers a softer, more feel-good approach that includes lighter segments appealing to a broader Middle America audience. This has led to a situation where the CBS News staff feel caught between two opposing editorial visions, with one source describing it as being like “children of two feuding parents.”
Interestingly, the conflict seems to lack personal animosity. An insider mentioned that while there isn’t overt hostility between Weiss and Cibrowski, their differing visions have created a tense atmosphere that sidelines staff. “It’s a passive-aggressive game,” remarked a network staffer, expressing a desire for a clear winner to emerge so work can proceed smoothly.
As the season begins, Weiss may face a pivotal moment with the debut of the new season of “60 Minutes.” This premiere will likely serve as an important indicator of her future at CBS, especially after notable turnover this summer that saw various key correspondents depart. The success of this show could be vital, especially given recent lower ratings for CBS’s flagship programs.
Amid these tensions, Cibrowski is also under pressure, tasked with improving ratings for both “CBS Mornings” and “CBS Evening News.” To that end, he recently appointed Norah O’Donnell to a co-hosting role, and there are ongoing discussions about potential format changes to better engage viewers.
The strain is further compounded by the challenges CBS is facing as a whole, especially given a substantial lawsuit jeopardizing a major merger in the works. A spokesperson from CBS has dismissed the rumors of internal conflict as “baseless gossip,” insisting that the news division is functioning effectively and excitedly anticipates the new season of “60 Minutes.”
Weiss’s vision for CBS News leans more heavily on serious news reporting, aiming to shift the agenda away from the lighter content favored by Cibrowski, whose leadership has been characterized by a more relaxed, accessible approach to news, akin to his background at ABC.
Staffers have pointed to a lack of clear managerial direction under Weiss, as initiatives meant to engage with pressing topics often get sidelined in favor of safer, lighter segments that can maintain viewer engagement. There’s a sense among some that the former ABC contingent at CBS is supportive of Cibrowski’s style and less enthusiastic about Weiss’s plans.
As the tension continues, the overall consensus seems to be that CBS News needs to evolve. However, one former executive noted that Weiss’s rapid-fire strategies might not align well with the inherently slow nature of building an audience in television, suggesting that the recent changes might be too ambitious and abrupt for a network already struggling for viewership.
