CBS News Staffers Hold Their Breath as Bari Weiss Arrives Amid Controversy
New York, NY - August 15, 2022 - The arrival of Bari Weiss at CBS News has sparked a mix of emotions among staff members, with some welcoming the addition and others expressing concern about her reputation for provocative commentary.
Weiss, a prominent conservative commentator and founder of The Free Press, was officially welcomed to CBS News on Monday as part of Paramount's acquisition of her digital publication. According to sources within the company, Weiss will be joining the news division as a contributor, although the exact nature of her role remains unclear.
"I'm excited to have Bari join our team," said Tom Cibrowski, Executive Vice President and General Manager of CBS News. "Her unique perspective and expertise will undoubtedly bring new insights to our coverage."
However, not all staff members share Cibrowski's enthusiasm. Some have expressed concerns about Weiss's history of controversy, including her high-profile departure from The New York Times in 2020 after facing criticism for her handling of sensitive topics.
"Bari's reputation precedes her," said one CBS News staffer, who wished to remain anonymous. "We're worried that she'll bring a divisive tone to our coverage and alienate some of our viewers."
The arrival of Weiss comes as Paramount continues to invest in its news division, with CEO David Ellison praising the legacy of CBS News during meetings with staff members earlier this month.
"CBS News has a rich history of delivering high-quality journalism," Ellison said. "We're committed to investing in its future and ensuring that it remains a trusted source for audiences around the world."
The acquisition of The Free Press is part of Paramount's broader strategy to expand its digital presence and reach new audiences. However, some critics have raised concerns about the implications of Weiss's arrival on CBS News's commitment to impartial journalism.
"Bari's brand of commentary is often at odds with the values of objective reporting," said media critic Jay Rosen. "It remains to be seen how she will adapt her style to fit within the parameters of a traditional news organization."
As CBS News navigates this new chapter, staff members are holding their breath for what comes next.
"We're all waiting to see how Bari will integrate into our team and whether she'll bring any changes to our coverage," said another staffer. "For now, we're just trying to stay focused on delivering the best possible journalism."
The arrival of Weiss marks a significant development in the evolution of CBS News, which has faced challenges in recent years to maintain its reputation for impartial reporting.
As the news division continues to adapt to changing audience demands and technological advancements, one thing is clear: Bari Weiss's presence will undoubtedly bring new dynamics to the table.
*Reporting by Hollywoodreporter.*
