Recent findings indicate that nearly 25% of the CBS Evening News staff targeted for potential takeovers has opted for a buyout as layoffs loom under editor-in-chief Bari Weiss.
A source close to the situation mentioned on Tuesday that 11 non-union employees chose the buyout option, which was not offered to union workers.
Reports suggest that among those opting out were at least six producers from a total of roughly 20 on the team. One insider commented, “It seems like folks are really taking the plunge.”
A CBS representative acknowledged a significant number of individuals making this choice.
According to officials, there are over 40 non-union staffers in the Evening News department.
A CBS News spokesperson did not provide any comments on the matter.
Last month, the network introduced a “special opportunity” for select employees to accept a one-time voluntary buyout prior to expected layoffs that might start as early as March.
This offer was announced shortly after Weiss had informed employees during a January town hall that they were free to leave if they disagreed with her approach to the struggling news division.
“This is a free country, and if you feel that I’m not the right leader for you or that this isn’t the right place at the right time, I completely respect your choice,” she stated.
During that town hall, as Weiss pushed for changes, she mentioned a desire to invest more in “exposing journalism” and emphasized the importance of focusing on “investigative scoops” that utilize both online and traditional media.
“We have to critically assess ourselves: We’re not creating a product that appeals to enough people,” Weiss added, expressing a hope to “earn” the trust of the CBS News staff along the way.
She has also introduced several new contributors, including the controversial anti-aging influencer Peter Attia. Recent email exchanges have surfaced his connection with Jeffrey Epstein, which has sparked discussion.
Attia recently expressed regret over his “tasteless and inexcusable” interactions with Epstein, mentioning, in an email, that “py is indeed low carb.”
Despite internal discontent and calls for the network to cut ties with Attia, Weiss, known for her opposition to cancel culture, appears determined to retain him.
In her efforts to rejuvenate the network, she has also replaced “Evening News” anchors John Dickerson and Maurice Dubois with Tony Dokoupil.
Additionally, she postponed airing a “60 Minutes” report on El Salvador’s notorious CECOT prison, drawing criticism from staff for waiting to include more information before broadcasting.
