Larry Ellison Installs Bari Weiss as CBS News Editor-in-Chief Amid Industry Backlash

CBS Undergoes Significant Changes with Hiring of Bari Weiss as Editor-in-Chief In a move that has sparked debate among media critics and industry experts, Larry Ellison, the billionaire co-founder of Oracle, has installed Bari Weiss as editor-in-chief of CBS News. The decision, which comes after weeks of speculation, marks a significant shift in the network's editorial direction. Weiss, a former New York Times opinion editor, was hired by Ellison to lead the network's news division, sparking concerns among some about the potential for a conservative bias. "This is a clear attempt to inject a more partisan approach into CBS News," said Eric Boehlert, a media critic and founder of the website Press Run. "Weiss has a history of promoting right-wing viewpoints, and it's unclear how she plans to maintain the network's commitment to objective journalism." The hiring of Weiss follows weeks of changes at CBS News, including the installation of Kenneth Weinstein as ombudsman. A former head of the conservative Hudson Institute, Weinstein's appointment has raised eyebrows among some who see it as an attempt to shape the network's editorial direction. Weiss' first hire as deputy editor was Adam Rubenstein, who edited a contentious op-ed piece by Sen. Tom Cotton arguing that Trump should invoke the Insurrection Act and deploy military forces against Black Lives Matter protesters. The move has been criticized by some as an attempt to normalize extremist views. The changes at CBS News come amid growing concerns about the influence of corporate interests on media outlets. "The fact that Larry Ellison, a billionaire with a history of supporting right-wing causes, is now in charge of CBS News raises serious questions about the network's commitment to journalistic integrity," said Sarah Jones, a journalist and critic. Ellison has denied any attempts to politicize the network, stating that he wants to create a more "balanced" approach. However, critics argue that his actions suggest otherwise. "This is not about balance; it's about promoting a particular ideology," Boehlert said. The implications of these changes are far-reaching and have sparked debate among media experts and scholars. As the media landscape continues to evolve, questions remain about the role of corporate interests in shaping editorial direction and the impact on journalistic integrity. Background CBS News has faced criticism in recent years for its handling of certain stories, including its coverage of the 2020 presidential election. The network has also been accused of promoting a more partisan approach under the leadership of former President George W. Bush's chief of staff, Dan Bartlett. Additional Perspectives Industry experts and media critics have weighed in on the changes at CBS News, with some expressing concern about the potential for a conservative bias. "This is a worrying development for anyone who cares about objective journalism," said Jones. Others see the move as an opportunity to inject new perspectives into the network. "Weiss has a reputation for being willing to challenge conventional wisdom, and that's exactly what CBS News needs right now," said one industry insider. Current Status The changes at CBS News are ongoing, with Weiss set to take over as editor-in-chief in the coming weeks. The network has announced plans to increase its coverage of conservative issues and perspectives, sparking further debate among media critics and experts. As the media landscape continues to evolve, questions remain about the role of corporate interests in shaping editorial direction and the impact on journalistic integrity. One thing is clear: the changes at CBS News are a significant development that will have far-reaching implications for the industry as a whole. *Reporting by Motherjones.*