Bari Weiss, journalist at CBS News, has taken on the role of editor-in-chief amid significant staff dissatisfaction.
Sources within CBS News confirm that many journalists at the network feel as though conditions have deteriorated considerably.
Upon Bari Weiss’s appointment, which some describe as unexpected, staff reactions were intense. Reportedly, the newsroom “literally went crazy,” with many expressing concerns about the current environment at the network.
The discontent among journalists has been exacerbated by David Ellison, the CEO of the recently combined Paramount Skydance, who is reportedly planning significant layoffs, potentially cutting the workforce by up to 10%. This merge comes after a high-stakes acquisition where they paid $150 million for The Free Press.
Some reporters have raised eyebrows about Weiss’s stance on issues related to Israel, with comments suggesting that her focus might skew toward singular topics that not everyone shares.
One reporter summarized the mood with words like “melancholy,” suggesting that many feel we are nearing a “kind of end of the world” scenario.
Another expressed shock at the imminent layoffs and Weiss’s appointment, describing the environment as chaotic and not conducive to a healthy workplace. They noted that while there are right and wrong ways to handle these transitions, the current approach seems misguided.
After a substantial merger valued at $8 billion, Ellison is focused on creating a broad media empire that encompasses not just CBS, but also Paramount’s film and television outlets, along with TikTok’s U.S. operations. This merger follows a notable $16 million resolution related to accusations of bias against CBS News. Despite these growing complexities, Skydance claims a commitment to diverse perspectives.
On Monday, David Ellison officially appointed Bari Weiss as the new Editor-in-Chief of CBS News.
