Here’s How Bari Weiss Has Shaken Up CBS News So Far

CBS News’ Bari Weiss has prompted staffing turnover, layoffs and major changes to its political coverage since stepping into her role as editor-in-chief.

Weiss became editor-in-chief in October when Paramount Skydance, the parent company of CBS, acquired her publication, The Free Press, for approximately $150 million. The parent company’s CEO, David Ellison, told Weiss that the network should provide “news that reflects reality” and journalism that “doesn’t seek to demonize, but seeks to understand.”

Weiss’ leadership prompted several significant staffing changes. At the beginning of Weiss’ tenure, over 100 staffers at CBS News were laid off, including virtually everyone in the outlet’s “race and culture” section. The co-hosts of “CBS Saturday Morning,” Michelle Miller and Dana Jacobson, and its executive producer Brian Applegate were also part of the cuts.

Four weeks later, “CBS Evening News” hosts John Dickerson and Maurice DuBois announced their departures after spending over a decade at the network. The two hosts signed off from their positions during the end of the program on Dec. 18.

While longtime staff stepped down, Weiss reportedly dedicated some time trying to hire prominent voices from across the media and political spectrum, including CNN senior political commentator Scott Jennings, Fox News anchor Bret Baier and CNN’s Anderson Cooper. All three have denied that they would be accepting any offers to work at CBS in the near future.

When she stepped into her role, Weiss sent emails to staff asking them to outline their jobs and provide feedback on “how we can make CBS News the most trusted news organization in America and the world.” During the hiring process, Weiss reached out to outside talent directly rather than speaking to their agents, which is considered the traditional method of communication, and has been highly involved in booking guests in an attempt to fix the network’s ratings and make a lasting change.