Why Bari Weiss Is Reshaping CBS News Strategy

New CBS News editor-in-chief Bari Weiss is moving fast to reshape the network. In her first week, she issued a direct call to staff for a brutally honest assessment. Her memo asks employees to outline what is working and what is “broken” at the storied news division.

This aggressive start signals a hands-on leadership style. Weiss is partnering with CBS News president Tom Cibrowski to steer the organization toward a new direction.

Weiss Launches Internal Review with Confidential Staff Survey

The memo, first reported by Semafor, gives staff a Tuesday deadline. Employees must describe how they spend their time and their proudest work. Critically, Weiss also demanded their views on what is “substandard” and how to improve.

She promised strict confidentiality for all replies. This approach suggests she is seeking internal allies for major changes. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Weiss has already held a flurry of meetings with anchors and producers in New York and Washington.

Paramount’s Broader Strategy Aims to Rebuild “Civil Discourse”

The shakeup is part of Paramount’s larger vision under CEO David Ellison. At a recent conference, Ellison stated his goal to rebuild America’s “civil discourse.” He sees Weiss and The Free Press as key to achieving this through fact-based reporting and diverse viewpoints.

The ultimate plan involves creating a direct-to-consumer platform. This new home would combine CBS’s broadcast reach with digital and podcast content. The Free Press acquisition is seen as an accelerant for this digital future.

The push for a new CBS News model is now fully underway. Bari Weiss is actively soliciting internal criticism to guide a major transformation. This effort aims to secure the network’s future in a rapidly changing media world.

Info at your fingertips

What did Bari Weiss ask CBS staff in her memo?

She asked them to detail how they spend their work time. The memo also requested their views on what is working and what is broken at CBS News.

Who does Bari Weiss report to at Paramount?

Weiss reports directly to Paramount CEO David Ellison. This is an unusual structure separate from the TV chief.

What is Paramount’s goal with this new leadership?

CEO David Ellison wants to rebuild civil discourse in the U.S. He believes Weiss’s approach aligns with CBS’s ideals for fact-based journalism.

How are CBS staff reacting to the changes?

Initial reactions included confusion about the new structure. Many recognize the news division needs a reset outside of its strong Sunday programming.

What is the long-term plan for CBS News and The Free Press?

Paramount plans to build a direct-to-consumer platform. This will house broadcast news, digital content, and podcasts together.

Trusted Sources

The Hollywood Reporter, Semafor, The New York Times