CBS News Undergoes Major Changes Following Bari Weiss Appointment

CBS News has entered a period of significant organizational and editorial transformation since Bari Weiss assumed the role of editor-in-chief in early October. These developments include the launch of Tony Dokoupil as the new anchor of "CBS Evening News," a revised strategic vision targeting new audiences and content, and internal discussions surrounding key editorial decisions, such as the temporary withdrawal of a "60 Minutes" segment. The changes have been met with internal staff concerns, personnel adjustments, and varied external commentary.

Leadership Transition and Strategic Direction

Bari Weiss took the helm of CBS News as editor-in-chief in early October, reportedly encountering skepticism from some employees and challenges related to the network's existing business model. Her appointment followed Paramount's acquisition of The Free Press, a digital news and opinion platform she co-founded, which gained prominence for critiquing perceived liberal biases in established media.

David Ellison, Paramount's controlling owner, hired Weiss to reorganize the news division. This occurred during a period when the network had faced scrutiny from the Trump administration. Paramount had previously settled a defamation lawsuit with former President Donald Trump for $16 million, stemming from a "60 Minutes" interview, though CBS News did not admit wrongdoing. Paramount also committed to appointing an ombudsman for ideological bias complaints.

During internal meetings, Weiss has outlined a strategy to move away from "commodity" news, advocating for "antimemetic," differentiated content aimed at younger, digital audiences. She has announced plans to hire approximately 18 paid commentators specializing in niche areas such as politics and medical health, citing a belief in public trust in individuals over institutions.

Former CBS News investigative journalist Catherine Herridge described Weiss's objective as implementing "deep cultural change" at the network, expressing belief in her capacity to achieve this.

Changes at "CBS Evening News"

Tony Dokoupil commenced his role as anchor of the "CBS Evening News" on a Monday. Dokoupil, 45, succeeds John Dickerson and Maurice DuBois, who co-anchored the program for one year, during which viewership declined behind "ABC World News Tonight" and "NBC Nightly News." Dokoupil's initial broadcast reverted to a style resembling previous iterations, featuring a close-up shot of the anchor at a desk in a newsroom setting, and no longer included an in-studio meteorologist. His arrival marks the fifth anchor change for "CBS Evening News" since 2017.

Dokoupil's planned 10-city U.S. tour, for which CBS News had leased a private 14-seat jet, was delayed due to U.S. military action in Venezuela. He subsequently anchored live from San Francisco before his official premiere in New York, with the tour rescheduled to begin in Miami.

Dokoupil issued a video message suggesting that public trust in organizations like CBS News and "legacy media" has diminished.

He stated that the press has, on occasions, "missed the story" by prioritizing the perspectives of "advocates, academics, or elites" over the "average American."

On social media, Dokoupil referenced Walter Cronkite, stating, "I can promise we’ll be more accountable and more transparent than Cronkite or anyone else of his era." Michael Socolow, a journalism professor and son of Cronkite's broadcast producer, noted that Cronkite believed the public should approach television news with skepticism and seek diverse sources of information. Dokoupil's statements were viewed by some colleagues as a challenge to past CBS journalistic traditions.

Dokoupil's initial weeks on "Evening News" showed an increase in viewership, though the program's overall audience continues a year-over-year decline.

Editorial Discussions and Internal Dynamics

Weiss's tenure has involved multiple reported internal discussions and editorial decisions:

"60 Minutes" Segment on El Salvador

In December, Weiss decided to remove a segment from a "60 Minutes" episode. The segment, reported by Sharyn Alfonsi, focused on reported abuses at the Cecot prison in El Salvador. Weiss stated that the segment had issues requiring attention, including a lack of response from the Trump administration. The network indicated it would air at a later date, likely in January, and it was subsequently broadcast with minimal content changes.

• Alfonsi sent an email to colleagues, characterizing Weiss’s decision to pull the piece as "political," arguing that government refusal to participate should not be grounds for spiking a story.
• A group of former CBS News journalists drafted a letter to David Ellison, expressing reservations regarding the decision. An early draft of the letter, which gathered nearly 200 signatories, described the editorial decision as potentially endangering "60 Minutes"’ role. Organizers subsequently shelved the letter.
• Former "60 Minutes" producer Lowell Bergman drew parallels to an incident in the mid-1990s when he was prevented from publishing an interview. Another former producer, Rome Hartman, expressed support for Alfonsi's account and described Weiss's explanations as less clear.
• The segment was broadcast by Canada’s Global TV service due to an operational error by CBS News and was widely shared on social media. A source close to Weiss, not authorized to comment publicly, stated that Paramount had no involvement in the decision regarding the Alfonsi piece.

Other Editorial Decisions

• The "Eye On America" segment was removed from "CBS Evening News." Initial coverage choices, such as the limited focus on the fifth anniversary of the January 6 Capitol siege by Dokoupil, drew external criticism. CBS Justice correspondent Scott MacFarlane, who reported on the January 6 attack, appeared on the BBC instead of CBS News for a deep dive on the topic on January 6.
• Dokoupil interviewed Donald Trump, during which the White House press secretary reportedly threatened legal action if the interview was not aired in full and unedited. CBS News stated its independent decision to air the interview unedited.
• A segment on a deadly shooting by a federal immigration officer, which included critical analysis from a retired ICE agent, was streamed online but not broadcast on the main "CBS Evening News" program.

Cultural and Staff Issues

• An internal cultural disagreement occurred in November concerning language choices related to transgender individuals. A network correspondent reportedly advocated against adopting terminology from the Trans Journalists Association’s stylebook regarding "biological sex," while a producer responded in favor of using such guidance.
• Internally, CBS News staffers have expressed confusion regarding Weiss's definition of "making news," with one staffer stating it appeared to prioritize "big names saying controversial things."
• At a town hall meeting, a staff member raised concerns about job security among "Evening News" employees and a perceived "chilling effect" within the newsroom regarding feedback.

Personnel Adjustments and Future Outlook

Kim Harvey, the executive producer of "CBS Evening News," reportedly offered buyouts targeting positions not governed by union agreements. These proposed staff reductions follow Weiss's communication of a new vision for the network. According to sources, Dokoupil and Harvey attempted to persuade management against these reductions. CBS News had previously undergone staff cuts as part of broader cost-reduction mandates from its parent company.

Further personnel developments included the dismissal of Javier Guzman, the top producer for "CBS Evening News," after a Wednesday evening broadcast. Guzman, who had been with the show since 2017 and in his producer role for six months, was let go without a clear explanation provided to staff. A former CBS News staffer suggested that Guzman's firing might be linked to the new regime's view of his adherence to journalistic norms established by previous leadership.

David Ellison has reportedly shown no disillusionment with Weiss's performance. There is speculation that Weiss's role could expand if Ellison successfully acquires assets from Warner Bros Discovery, including CNN, a prospect that has reportedly concerned some CNN staffers. Despite reported internal dissent, some CBS News staffers have indicated an intent to remain at the network.

Reactions and External Perspectives

Weiss has faced criticism from both liberal commentators and some conservative media figures.

Megyn Kelly, a podcaster and former broadcaster, criticized Dokoupil's on-air emotional display during a segment about his hometown of Miami, suggesting it was not appropriate for personal stories on an evening news program. Kelly also suggested the incident reflected a "feminization of the newsroom."

Media industry observers have suggested a connection between the "60 Minutes" controversy and the possibility that Weiss's appointment aims to align with certain political interests, particularly as Paramount pursues the acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery, which would necessitate government regulatory approval.

Former CBS News President Andrew Heyward commented that the changes represent "growing pains" intensified by the current polarized political atmosphere and "execution errors." He emphasized the need for CBS News to continue original reporting to maintain and attract its audience.