Media meltdown: Why Bari Weiss’ appointment as CBS editor-in-chief has journalists on edge

When CBS named Bari Weiss its new editor-in-chief last week, much of the media world reacted with the same startled tone usually reserved for breaking-news alerts. The opinion journalist and founder of The Free Press – a publication built on the idea that “the left has gone too far” – now holds the top job at one of America’s most storied newsrooms.

Oliver questions Weiss appointment

John Oliver devoted a Last Week Tonight segment to the decision, describing it as “alarming” that someone who “has never run a TV network or worked as a reporter” would suddenly lead CBS News. He noted that The Free Press often lets its conclusions “get out ahead of its evidence,” a diplomatic way of questioning its fact-checking, you might say. You can watch it for yourself.

Weiss’s arrival follows Paramount’s $150 million acquisition of The Free Press after its merger with David Ellison’s Skydance Media. Ellison, whose father Larry is a regular at Mar-a-Lago, has made no secret of his ambition to reshape the media landscape – including a potential bid for Warner Bros. Discovery, home to CNN and HBO.

Inside CBS, reactions are said to range from disbelief to open anxiety. Younger staff have objected to Weiss’s overly vocal support of Israel, while veteran producers fear the Ellisons’ growing political influence. “She’s been extremely outspoken about her views,” said former CBS executive Paul Friedman. “We can only hope she means what she’s said about fair journalism.”

Weiss has promised to champion “honesty and independence.” Whether that means giving CBS a shot of intellectual diversity or a dose of ideological chaos remains to be seen – but, as Oliver warned, maybe with thoughts about others in his line of work, “it’s worth keeping an eye on what happens next.”

Get your game on! Whether you’re into NFL touchdowns, NBA buzzer-beaters, world-class soccer goals, or MLB home runs, our app has it all.

Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more – plus, stay updated on the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.