John Oliver Warns Viewers to Keep a Close Eye on CBS News in Wake of "Alarming" Bari Weiss Hire
In a scathing critique, John Oliver used his main segment on Sunday's Last Week Tonight to warn viewers about the recent hire of Bari Weiss as editor-in-chief of CBS News. According to Paramount's announcement earlier this month, The Free Press, the digital publication founded by Weiss, has been acquired by the media conglomerate.
Oliver began his segment by noting that Weiss would be reporting directly to Paramount CEO David Ellison, while The Free Press would remain a standalone business outside of CBS News. This move has sparked concern among industry insiders and critics alike, with some describing it as "alarming."
"Weiss's hiring is a clear indication that CBS News is shifting its focus towards more sensationalized and polarizing content," said media analyst, Mark Lukasiewicz. "Her background in promoting divisive rhetoric and inflammatory opinions raises serious questions about the direction of the network."
Oliver echoed these concerns, stating: "Weiss's track record on social media is a perfect example of how toxic and divisive language can be used to manipulate public opinion. It's alarming that CBS News would bring someone with such a history into their fold without proper vetting or consideration for the impact it could have on their reputation."
The hiring of Weiss has also been met with criticism from within the news division, with some employees expressing concern about the potential influence she may exert over editorial decisions.
"We're worried that Weiss's presence will undermine our commitment to fact-based reporting and objective journalism," said a CBS News employee who wished to remain anonymous. "Her views on social media are at odds with our values, and we fear for the future of our network."
The acquisition of The Free Press by Paramount has raised questions about the role of independent publications in the digital age. Weiss's decision to maintain her publication as a standalone entity has been seen by some as an attempt to exert control over editorial content while avoiding accountability.
As CBS News continues to navigate this new development, critics are urging viewers to remain vigilant and question the motives behind Weiss's hiring. "This is not just about Bari Weiss; it's about the values and principles that underpin our news organizations," said Lukasiewicz. "We need to hold them accountable for promoting fact-based reporting and protecting the integrity of their editorial content."
The future of CBS News remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: the hiring of Bari Weiss has sent shockwaves through the industry, raising important questions about the role of media in shaping public opinion.
In related news, Paramount's acquisition of The Free Press has sparked a heated debate among media scholars and critics. Some have praised the move as a bold step towards innovation and disruption in the digital publishing landscape, while others have expressed concerns about the potential consequences for independent journalism.
As the situation continues to unfold, one thing is certain: the world will be watching CBS News closely in the coming weeks and months to see how they navigate this challenging new development.
*Reporting by Hollywoodreporter.*
