Bari Weiss and the Shake-Up at CBS News
When Bari Weiss, the Editor-in-Chief of CBS News, faces tough choices, her superior, David Ellison, the CEO of Paramount Skydance, often asks her, “What is your tolerance for pain?” The underlying message from Ellison tends to be clear: the decisions can be costly. It seems he’s not exactly shy about the implications of these choices.
While Ellison’s team didn’t dispute the nature of his relationship with Weiss, insiders suggest that her controversial leadership at CBS sheds light on the swift dismissal of correspondent Scott Pelley. Once viewed as nearly untouchable, Pelley was let go shortly after he openly criticized management.
Ellison isn’t overtly political, but noteworthy financial backing for his operations comes from his father, Larry Ellison, a billionaire closely acquainted with former President Trump. This connection raises eyebrows, especially in the context of the recent $80 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery.
Ellison, a seasoned veteran in the industry, seems to have faced little resistance in greenlighting Pelley’s dismissal. He acquired Paramount amid a feud with the Redstone family, known for their legacy in media, while also navigating a critical takeover of Warner Bros. Discovery.
Ellison and his supporters believe they’ve gained the authority to reshape CBS, viewing Pelley’s dissent as an obstacle. One associate remarked, “There’s a new sheriff in town,” indicating that Ellison isn’t particularly influenced by public perception.
Pelley, a veteran with 37 years at CBS and a notable figure on “60 Minutes,” challenged Weiss and her team in a staff meeting, bringing up concerns about perceived biases within the programming.
What’s perhaps less known is the context before that meeting. Weiss had initially contemplated integrating Pelley into her team, despite significant upheavals that involved the departures of key producers and talent who accused management of compromising their work to align with Trump’s administration. Even during the chaos, Weiss seemed hesitant to fully dismiss Pelley, perhaps because Ellison is known for managing tough situations.
According to sources, Weiss was looking for a “path forward,” stating that she would only terminate Pelley if he continued his unyielding criticisms. This sentiment was reportedly expressed in ongoing communications to the media through anonymous tips.
In a follow-up meeting, it was stated that Pelley’s legacy at “60 Minutes” was acknowledged, yet he argued that no efforts were made to reconcile. In a written statement, he remarked there was no genuine attempt to “find a way back” at the meeting.
A spokesperson for Weiss did not provide comments, nor could Perry be reached for his thoughts. However, it appears that Weiss, having cornered Ellison, felt compelled to not just dismiss Pelley but also other problematic figures. Since her arrival at CBS News, Weiss has swiftly enacted major changes in personnel and programming, aiming to tackle criticisms about the network’s perceived left-leaning tendencies.
The backlash from her decisions, especially concerning the “60 Minutes” segment, has drawn significant scrutiny from both critics and colleagues within CBS. Pelley accused Weiss’s team of “murdering” the renowned news program.
Nonetheless, supported by Ellison, Weiss is intent on steering CBS towards what she perceives as balance, preparing the organization for sweeping transformations. These changes extend beyond just political adjustments; they also involve modernizing their linear TV offerings to connect with younger viewers.
The effort to innovate includes possibly phasing out traditional formats, which may not align with the preference of established figures like Pelley. In the realm of politics, particularly on “60 Minutes,” CBS has often echoed progressive sentiments. However, the network has shifted its focus in response to recent controversies involving the Trump administration, including a civil lawsuit arising from a 60 Minutes interview with Kamala Harris.
Weiss has increasingly taken control over the editorial direction of “60 Minutes,” emphasizing a strategic long-term vision. As one of Ellison’s colleagues puts it, “We’re playing the long game.”
