Bari Weiss from The Free Press Named as CBS’ Next Top Editor
CBS News Embraces Strategic Shift with Bari Weiss Appointment
Bari Weiss to Lead as CBS News’ Editor-in-Chief Amid Strategic Changes
CBS News has announced Bari Weiss as its new editor-in-chief. As part of a significant shift toward appealing to a broader audience, Skydance Media, the new corporate owner of CBS, is acquiring Weiss’ news and opinion site, The Free Press. This move is expected to redefine the CBS News brand, with Weiss tasked with reshaping public perception and refining news coverage.
Bari Weiss’ Journey: From The New York Times to CBS News
Bari Weiss established herself as a formidable voice in journalism following her departure from The New York Times, where she criticized the newsroom environment as intolerant. Before her time at the Times, Weiss gained experience as an editor at The Wall Street Journal. However, she lacks direct broadcasting experience, raising questions about her role in the day-to-day operations at CBS News.
CBS News Faces Workforce Changes Amid Strategic Shifts
The network is reportedly planning network-wide layoffs, potentially affecting up to 10% of its workforce. This development adds complexity to Weiss’ role as she works with Tom Cibrowski, the current president and executive editor, to guide the network through these transitions.
The Free Press to Operate Independently Under Skydance Media
Under new ownership, The Free Press will continue as an independent news entity, retaining its unique brand and subscription model. With its focus on “cancel culture” and diverse viewpoints, the site has gained traction among those critical of mainstream media. Despite its conservative support, The Free Press does not automatically align with Trump’s agenda, maintaining an independent editorial stance.
Strategic Media Acquisitions and Future Plans for Skydance Media
Skydance Media CEO David Ellison and his father, Larry Ellison, have placed substantial value on Weiss and her publication. Since acquiring CBS’ parent company Paramount, David Ellison has emphasized the network’s openness to conservative perspectives. With further acquisitions reportedly in the works, such as Warner Brothers Discovery, Skydance Media aims to expand its influence across the media landscape.
Commitments to Diversity and Balance in News Coverage
The acquisition of CBS and Paramount by Skydance Media involved commitments to the FCC to address perceived bias in news coverage and promote a range of viewpoints. The network plans to establish a more balanced ideological spectrum in its programming and may see future changes under new leadership, highlighting a concerted effort to rebuild trust with the audience.
