Speculation Surrounds Bari Weiss’ New Role at CBS News
There’s been quite a bit of chatter among CBS News staff regarding the potential appointment of Bari Weiss as the network’s new editor-in-chief. “Everyone’s sharing articles and kind of waiting to see how this might change things, or if it will at all,” noted one staff member.
Reports from various outlets, including Pack News and the New York Post, reveal that Paramount recently acquired Weiss’ publication, The Free Press, for a hefty $150 million. They stated that the new CEO of Paramount, David Ellison, plans to announce Weiss as the editor-in-chief of CBS News.
Uncertainty seems to be the theme here. “No one really knows how this will all play out,” said another CBS staffer.
Reactions to Weiss’ Possible Appointment
The possible ramifications of Weiss’ addition to CBS News have sparked mixed feelings among those on the political left. As some anticipate a radical shift in the newsroom’s dynamics, others wonder how the general public will respond. “Many people at home probably have no idea who she is or what she stands for,” remarked another CBS employee.
Ellison had been eyeing Weiss for several months leading up to his appointment as CEO after the merger with Skydance Media in August. Weiss left The New York Times in 2020, citing an intolerable work environment in a resignation letter that received a lot of attention.
She later launched the “Common Sense” newsletter, which evolved into The Free Press. This year, the organization reportedly reached 155,000 paying subscribers, with a valuation nearing $100 million.
Some CBS staff were cautiously optimistic, seeing Weiss’ infusion of fresh ideas as potentially beneficial. “I don’t think new perspectives will hurt. She’s bound to have insights; let’s see what she brings to the table,” one staff member said.
Controversy Surrounds Weiss’ Reputation
Weiss has cultivated a reputation for challenging what she describes as the liberal groupthink present in legacy media. This has not sat well with many on the left, especially given her critiques surrounding various pressing political and social issues. As a result, there’s a growing tension surrounding her expected role at CBS, particularly amidst ongoing discussions related to media narratives on Israel and gender ideology.
While CBS News staff don’t seem overly concerned about a negative impact on audience perception, there’s a palpable awareness of potential backlash within the industry. Representatives from both Paramount and CBS News have chosen to remain silent on the evolving situation.
Ellison’s Vision for CBS News
With CBS News currently ranked third in the ratings compared to rivals ABC and NBC, Ellison is likely aiming to invigorate the network’s approach. The history of CBS taking heat from the political left isn’t new. Earlier this year, CBS faced considerable criticism after a multi-million-dollar settlement with Donald Trump and the cancellation of Stephen Colbert’s late-night show, which some interpreted as a concession to political pressure.
