A Stunning Move: Bari Weiss Takes the Helm at CBS News
Bari Weiss, long known as a sharp critic of mainstream media, has just been named the new editor-in-chief of CBS News—a move that’s sending shockwaves through the journalism world. The announcement, made this week, marks a dramatic shift for both Weiss and the storied network, famous for icons like Walter Cronkite and Dan Rather.
From “Politically Homeless” to Media Gatekeeper
Weiss, 41, has built her reputation as a self-described “centrist” who’s unafraid to challenge both the left and right. She’s called out what she sees as excesses on both sides, famously saying, “There’s a woke left. There’s increasingly a woke right. And then there’s the normal people”. Her political journey has been anything but predictable: she’s voted for Mitt Romney, Hillary Clinton, and Joe Biden in recent elections, and has openly criticized both Donald Trump and progressive orthodoxy.
Despite her claims of centrism, Weiss is often labeled “conservative” by critics, especially for her outspoken views on cancel culture, diversity initiatives, and campus politics. Headlines like “Why we all hate Bari Weiss so much” have followed her, reflecting the polarizing effect she has on public discourse.
The Free Press Windfall
Adding to the drama, Weiss recently sold her independent news platform, The Free Press, for a reported
$150 million—just four years after launching it. This deal not only cements her status as a major media player but also allows her to continue managing The Free Press while leading CBS News. It’s a rare double act in the industry, and one that underscores her growing influence.
Inside CBS: Staff Reactions and Industry Handwringing
The reaction inside CBS News has been mixed, to put it mildly. Some staffers have called the appointment “utterly depressing,” worried that Weiss’s reputation as a critic of mainstream media and her perceived conservative leanings could clash with the network’s traditions. Others see her as a much-needed disruptor who could bring fresh perspective and innovation to a legacy institution.
Industry observers are watching closely to see how Weiss will shape CBS’s editorial direction. Paramount Skydance, CBS’s parent company, said in a statement that Weiss will “shape editorial priorities, champion core values across platforms, and lead innovation in how the organization reports and delivers the news”.
What’s Next for CBS News—and the Media Landscape?
Weiss’s appointment comes at a time when trust in media is at historic lows and audiences are increasingly fragmented. Her critics fear she’ll push CBS News to the right; her supporters hope she’ll restore balance and credibility to a network they see as out of touch.
One thing is clear: Bari Weiss is now one of the most powerful figures in American journalism. Whether she can bridge the divides she’s spent years highlighting—or simply deepen them—remains to be seen.
Sources
1. In CBS role, Bari Weiss goes from critic of mainstream news to one ...
2. Bari Weiss CBS News Story Produces The Usual Handwringing
3. CBS News staffers react to Bari Weiss being named editor-in-chief
