Bari Weiss Takes Charge as CBS News Editor-in-Chief: A Controversial Shift

Bari Weiss has been named the new editor-in-chief of CBS News, stirring significant debate in the world of journalism. But what’s the cause of all this uproar?

Weiss has openly supported liberal views, particularly on issues like gay marriage—she’s married to a woman and identifies as gay. She has also expressed pro-choice beliefs. Interestingly, her voting record shows she casts ballots for both right and left, having voted for Mitt Romney alongside Hillary Clinton and Joe Biden.

So, what’s behind the backlash? For one, during her tenure at the New York Times, she was vocal about her concerns regarding what she deemed the paper’s “woke culture.” This stance didn’t sit well with some of her colleagues, who, according to Weiss, labeled her with names like “Nazi” and “racist.” After facing relentless criticism, she chose to resign in 2020.

I’d say it’s fair to categorize her more as a disillusioned liberal than a staunch conservative.

Another layer to this story is that Weiss will be reporting directly to David Ellison, the head of the company that recently acquired CBS. Ellison’s father, Larry Ellison, ranks among the wealthiest individuals globally and is known to have connections with Donald Trump. This has understandably led to some apprehension within the CBS ranks. Yet, perhaps it’s worth considering giving Weiss a chance to prove herself.

Reports suggest that CBS journalists weren’t exactly thrilled about her arrival. One source described a sense of “panic” among the staff, with terms like “melancholy” and “apocalypse” being thrown around.

Jamel Bouie, a columnist and former colleague of Weiss, used social media to voice his disapproval, labeling her as “unethical and talentless.”

Dan Rather, a veteran anchor for CBS Evening News, called Weiss’s appointment “distinctive,” labeling it a “dark day in the halls of CBS News.” Considering Rather’s background—he faced significant fallout from using dubious documents in a story—his comment on the matter carries some weight.

In a letter to CBS News journalists, Weiss laid out her vision for the newsroom, emphasizing fair and fact-based journalism. She aims for coverage that scrutinizes both political parties and encourages a diversity of perspectives.

Does this approach invite controversy? National Review editors recently noted that Weiss faces a daunting challenge as she steps into what they call a “viper’s nest.” They expressed hope that reforming a newsroom long associated with bias could lead to meaningful positive changes across the industry.

Having experience with CBS’s internal dynamics, I know firsthand how resistant some liberal journalists can be. In 1996, while at CBS News, I faced fierce backlash for an op-ed addressing liberal bias in the media. The issue of trust among viewers has only worsened since then, with many feeling a disconnect from network news. This isn’t just a matter of perception; it stems from genuine concerns about bias that many journalists may not even recognize in themselves.

Rather, in a fit of anger, stated he would do whatever it takes not to be intimidated by political agendas, reflecting a broader struggle within journalism regarding impartiality.

Looking back, I wasn’t a conservative at the time I wrote that piece—I was simply interested in fair journalism, sharing something many in the field seem reluctant to discuss.

To frame Weiss’s challenges, it’s worth considering reflections from seasoned journalists. CBS analyst Eric Severid once remarked that journalists often find themselves resented for being self-righteous and critical of others without self-awareness. Additionally, lawyer and journalist Stephen Brill suggested that reporters often exhibit a level of arrogance that rivals even that of attorneys.

So, good luck to Bari Weiss in her new role. She’ll undoubtedly need it.