CBS News Staff Divide Over New Editor-in-Chief

Staff members at CBS News are expressing concerns regarding the recent appointment of Bari Weiss as editor-in-chief, describing the dissenters as either “too progressive” or “very old,” according to network officials.

Weiss, who took the reins after her publication, The Free Press, was acquired by Paramount, has sparked internal and external criticism. Some colleagues are wary of her background in opinion journalism and limited television experience. However, CBS News officials assert that the dissenting voices in the newsroom can be categorized into two distinct groups.

“Younger folks, perhaps. [More] Older staff members who feel a bit too progressive,” a CBS News representative told Fox News Digital, adding they were “appalled” that Weiss was chosen by Paramount CEO David Ellison for the role.

According to insiders, older employees who fondly recall Walter Cronkite’s era of CBS News struggle to adapt to modern shifts, while younger individuals disagree with Weiss’s stances, particularly her strong pro-Israel views and anti-woke sentiment. “Most people in between are saying, ‘Yeah, let’s try something new,’” they noted.

The general sentiment among younger staff is openness to Weiss’s leadership, acknowledging her success in starting a thriving media outlet and her awareness of contemporary issues. An insider remarked, “Maybe a course correction was necessary, but it’s challenging to admit it could lead to a lasting No. 3 ranking.”

Another source reflected, “I didn’t expect her to come in and completely change everything, but so far, that hasn’t happened. She has made us think differently, which I appreciate.”

Weiss has already stirred controversy by requesting employees to report on their daily activities. The Writers Guild of America East expressed concerns that this could lead to disciplinary actions, prompting CBS to clarify that there would be no penalties for not complying with her requests. Insiders were taken aback by the guild’s strong reactions, with one stating, “I was grateful that she seemed interested; I don’t quite understand the backlash. She’s new and simply wants to know what we’re doing.”

Although Weiss’s leadership style is provocative, some welcome the change. Nonetheless, the appointment has been met with mixed reactions, with some feeling uneasy about the rapid changes in CBS News under her tenure.

Former CBS anchor Dan Rather criticized the network for hiring Weiss, and various liberal commentators have shared their discontent with her views. Yet, amidst the criticism, some staff members find it refreshing that Weiss isn’t overly concerned with political correctness, a shift from previous leadership. “We really needed a new perspective,” they said, defending her against what they perceive as unfair treatment.