CBS News staffers are grappling with the announcement that Bari Weiss, a controversial commentator, has been appointed as their new editor-in-chief. This development follows Paramount Skydance’s acquisition of Weiss’s Substack-based publication, The Free Press, in a deal reportedly worth $150 million. The news has sparked a mix of apprehension, skepticism, and frustration among employees at the storied network.
In discussions with The Guardian, six current CBS News employees expressed their concerns about the appointment. While some staffers are reserving judgment until they see the impact of Weiss’s leadership, others are openly critical. “A throwing up emoji is not enough of a reflection of the feelings in here,” one particularly incensed employee remarked. Another staffer added, “It’s utterly depressing. Somebody who has zero experience in television news or even hard news for that matter… but with a clearly defined political agenda.”
Concerns Over Leadership and Experience
The appointment of Weiss, who has no experience in broadcast television, has left many at CBS News questioning the network’s direction. “It’s hard to see this as anything more than an attempt to bend the knee completely,” said one staffer. Another employee lamented the constant leadership changes, stating, “It’s been 18 months of lurching through reported mergers, legal threats, lawsuits, settlements, firings, yet another round of new leaders.”
Despite these concerns, CBS News President Tom Cibrowski, who will continue to work alongside Weiss, assured employees that she would be involved in future meetings. “The room looked pretty stone-faced,” an employee noted after a recent editorial call. Cibrowski encouraged staff to reach out to him directly with questions.
Paramount’s Vision for CBS News
David Ellison, CEO of Paramount, has positioned Weiss’s appointment as a strategic move to enhance CBS News’s reputation. He described her as someone with a “passion for reaching broad audiences through rigorous, fact-based reporting” and a “relentless commitment to amplifying voices from all corners of the spectrum.” Ellison’s endorsement, however, has done little to quell the skepticism among CBS staffers.
“I’m in mostly in wait and see mode,” a fifth staffer told The Guardian. “Pessimistic and skeptical, but willing to see what she does.”
The hefty price tag of the acquisition has also raised eyebrows, especially as the newsroom braces for potential budget cuts. The network has been navigating a turbulent period, marked by leadership changes and legal challenges, including a $16 million settlement with former President Donald Trump over a disputed interview edit.
Structural Changes and Future Implications
The unique structure of Weiss’s new role, reporting directly to Ellison rather than through traditional channels, has added another layer of uncertainty. A former CBS News insider expressed doubts about this arrangement, stating, “It is still unclear to me how she is going to actually work. I am not sure there is any other network that has this structure.”
Current employees are also curious about potential editorial appointments under Weiss’s leadership. “Ruling by edict from the top won’t be enough to change things,” one staffer noted. “She’ll need lieutenants in the trenches cracking whips over our heads.”
Bari Weiss’s Vision and Employee Reactions
In a memo to CBS News staffers, Weiss outlined her plans to engage with the team and understand their perspectives. “I want to hear from you about what’s working, what isn’t, and your thoughts on how we can make CBS News the most trusted news organization in America and the world,” she wrote.
Ending on a hopeful note, Weiss expressed her enthusiasm for the new role: “I’m profoundly honored to join you – and I can’t wait to get started.”
As CBS News navigates this latest leadership change, the network’s future direction remains uncertain. Employees and industry observers alike will be watching closely to see how Weiss’s appointment impacts the storied institution.
