Bari Weiss assumed the role of editor-in-chief at CBS News in early October, initiating a period of organizational and editorial changes. Her tenure has involved the relaunch of "CBS Evening News" under new anchor Tony Dokoupil, adjustments to "60 Minutes" operations, and the articulation of a new strategic vision for the network. These developments have been accompanied by internal discussions, staff departures, and varied external commentary regarding editorial decisions and leadership direction.
Weiss’s tenure has involved significant organizational and editorial changes, accompanied by internal discussions, staff departures, and varied external commentary regarding editorial decisions and leadership direction.
Leadership Transition and Strategic Vision
Bari Weiss was appointed editor-in-chief of CBS News by David Ellison, whose company acquired Weiss’s digital platform, The Free Press. Her appointment, which occurred without prior experience in television or managing a large-scale journalism operation, followed a period of scrutiny for the network from the Trump administration. Paramount, the controlling owner, had previously settled a defamation lawsuit with former President Trump for $16 million. Weiss's mandate includes implementing "deep cultural change" and reinventing the news division.
Weiss has articulated a strategy to move CBS News away from "commodity" news towards "antimemetic," differentiated content aimed at younger, digital audiences.
Her plans include hiring approximately 18 paid commentators and expanding established brands like "60 Minutes," "48 Hours," and "Sunday Morning" through podcasts, newsletters, and live journalism events, with an emphasis on future developments. She has also indicated a focus on public trust in individuals over institutions.
"60 Minutes" Editorial Decisions and Internal Response
One notable event early in Weiss's tenure involved a "60 Minutes" segment on alleged abuses at the Cecot prison in El Salvador, reported by Sharyn Alfonsi. Weiss decided to pull the segment from its scheduled December 21 airing, citing issues that required attention, including a reported lack of response from the Trump administration. The network stated the segment would air at a later date, and it subsequently did so with minimal content changes. The segment was also broadcast by Canada’s Global TV service due to an operational error.
Internal Reactions
Sharyn Alfonsi sent an email to colleagues characterizing Weiss’s decision as "political." A group of former CBS News journalists drafted a letter, gathering nearly 200 signatories, expressing reservations regarding the decision and describing it as potentially impacting "60 Minutes’" role. Lowell Bergman, a former "60 Minutes" producer, drew parallels to a mid-1990s incident. Rome Hartman, another former producer, supported Alfonsi's account. A source close to Weiss, not authorized to comment publicly, stated Paramount had no involvement in the decision.
Organizational Changes
"60 Minutes" will relocate from its West 57th Street office to the CBS Broadcast Center, consolidating with other CBS News programming. This move is viewed internally by some as potentially diminishing the newsmagazine's historical operational independence. Prior to Weiss’s arrival, "60 Minutes" also experienced a settlement of a lawsuit brought by former President Trump regarding the editing of an interview with Vice President Kamala Harris, which coincided with the resignation of longtime Executive Producer Bill Owens, who cited concerns over editorial independence. Tanya Simon, a 25-year veteran, was named Owens' successor.
Correspondent Developments
Anderson Cooper announced his departure as a correspondent after nearly two decades, citing a desire to spend more time with his children. Sharyn Alfonsi’s contract expiration is approaching, leading to anticipation of her potential exit. Scott Pelley, a veteran "60 Minutes" correspondent, stated in December that the show maintained journalistic rigor and experienced "no corporate interference of any kind," but also acknowledged a "fraught time" for the show and concerns about new ownership in staff meetings.
"CBS Evening News" Relaunch and Personnel Changes
Tony Dokoupil assumed the anchor role for "CBS Evening News" on a Monday in early January, succeeding John Dickerson and Maurice DuBois. Dokoupil's initial broadcast reverted to a style resembling previous iterations of the program, featuring a close-up shot of the anchor at a desk within a newsroom setting, and no longer featuring an in-studio meteorologist. This marks the fifth anchor change for "CBS Evening News" since 2017.
Dokoupil's Commentary and Tour
Dokoupil had a planned 10-city U.S. tour, which was delayed due to U.S. military action in Venezuela. He issued a video message suggesting public trust in legacy media has diminished, stating that the press has "missed the story" by prioritizing perspectives of advocates, academics, or elites over "the average American." He referenced Walter Cronkite and stated the program would be "more accountable and more transparent than Cronkite or anyone else of his era." Michael Socolow, a journalism professor, responded to Dokoupil’s claims, citing Cronkite’s belief in public skepticism of news.
Criticisms and Editorial Choices
Dokoupil faced criticism from podcaster Megyn Kelly for an emotional segment about his hometown of Miami and his father’s drug dealing, which Kelly described as inappropriate for an evening news program. Mark Halperin, a guest on Kelly’s show, agreed the segment should not have aired. Other criticisms during Dokoupil's initial week included an interview with Cabinet Secretary Pete Hegseth described by some as lenient, the use of a private jet for a promotional tour, and a fumbled segment transition. The segment "Eye On America" was removed from the program. Initial coverage choices were also criticized, such as the limited focus on the fifth anniversary of the January 6 Capitol siege. Dokoupil interviewed Donald Trump, during which the White House press secretary reportedly threatened legal action if the interview was not aired in full and unedited; CBS News stated its independent decision to air it unedited. A segment on a deadly shooting by a federal immigration officer was streamed online but not broadcast on the main program.
Personnel Shifts
Javier Guzman, the top producer for "CBS Evening News" since 2017, was dismissed after a Wednesday evening broadcast without a clear explanation provided to staff. A former staffer suggested the firing might be linked to a new regime’s view of adherence to journalistic norms. Kim Harvey, the executive producer of "CBS Evening News," reportedly offered buyouts for positions not governed by union agreements. Dokoupil and Harvey reportedly attempted to persuade management against these reductions. While Dokoupil's initial weeks showed an increase in viewership, the program's overall audience continued a year-over-year decline.
Internal Tensions and Cultural Shifts
Weiss's appointment reportedly faced skepticism from employees. Internally, CBS News staffers expressed confusion regarding Weiss's definition of "making news," with one staffer stating it appeared to prioritize "big names saying controversial things." Weiss infrequently joined daily editorial calls but addressed the "60 Minutes" controversy on December 22, stating her interest in running a newsroom where "contentious disagreements about the thorniest editorial matters" are handled with respect.
An internal cultural disagreement occurred on November 6 concerning language choices related to transgender individuals. A network correspondent reportedly advocated against adopting terminology from the Trans Journalists Association’s stylebook regarding "biological sex," while a producer responded in favor of using such guidance for better coverage.
Concerns were also raised about job security among "Evening News" employees and a perceived "chilling effect" within the newsroom regarding feedback.
External Reactions and Broader Context
Weiss has faced criticism from both liberal commentators and some conservative media figures. Megyn Kelly and Tucker Carlson have publicly commented on Weiss, with Kelly criticizing her role in a December 13 town hall and Carlson expressing dismissive views regarding Weiss's influence.
Catherine Herridge, a former CBS News investigative journalist, described Weiss's objective as implementing "deep cultural change" at the network, acknowledging it as a significant challenge, but expressed belief in Weiss's capacity to achieve it.
David Ellison has reportedly shown no disillusionment with Weiss's performance, and there is speculation that Weiss's role could expand if Ellison successfully acquires assets from Warner Bros Discovery, including CNN, a prospect that has reportedly concerned some CNN staffers. Former CBS News President Andrew Heyward commented that the changes represent "growing pains" intensified by the current polarized political atmosphere and "execution errors."