Bari Weiss, the head of CBS News, is contemplating whether to let go of wellness doctor Peter Attia due to his connection with Jeffrey Epstein. This decision is complicated by her belief that CBS needs a variety of voices to transform its left-leaning business strategy, according to sources familiar with the situation.
Attia, a Canadian physician recognized for his unconventional health advice and his opposition to strict COVID-19 measures, is now facing scrutiny following the leak of emails linking him to Epstein, which include some rather inappropriate remarks.
I mean, the emails aren’t exactly tasteful. There’s some crude humor and discussions about the supposed health advantages of certain, let’s say, intimate acts, but no need to delve into that.
Despite this, Weiss brought Attia on board along with others who have center-right views. They seemed to resonate more with audiences in a media landscape typically dominated by traditional progressives, aiming to broaden CBS’s appeal across the country.
But it begs the question: can Weiss really push for change while staying associated with someone who may have made a poor decision in his past? It’s a tricky situation, especially since CBS has been struggling for a while.
Last fall, CBS and its parent company, Paramount, were bought by David Ellison and his partners. The new ownership evidently isn’t thrilled with the current financial outlook—expenses are climbing while revenue seems to be dipping. Weiss is weighing the possibility that firing Attia could throw the news division back into a difficult financial position.
It’s not a straightforward choice. Having ties to Epstein doesn’t exactly help matters. But the reality is that many have embraced left-leaning narratives, and Weiss might be concerned about backlash from those who don’t appreciate Attia’s controversial medical stance. If she decides to let him go, she risks alienating the audience she’s trying to reach.
Weiss, previously an editorial writer for both the Wall Street Journal and the New York Times, founded the news site Free Press and has conservative leanings. She was hired with the goal of addressing and reversing the concerning trends CBS has faced.
Up to now, she has clashed with “60 Minutes” over its bias, and faced criticism from various corners of the media. But the decision on Attia is proving to be far more significant, even though he doesn’t anchor a show. It’s a pivotal moment.
Recently, Attia defended himself on social media, claiming his association with Epstein was purely professional, mainly aiming for research funding. He mentioned he was unaware of the full extent of Epstein’s crimes, which only became apparent later on. It’s worth noting that before his 2019 arrest for serious charges, Epstein had already faced legal issues back in 2008, claiming he didn’t realize his associates were underage.
Ellison has invested heavily in Weiss’s leadership at CBS News, and now it seems she’s under pressure to deliver meaningful results.
