Paramount is standing by CBS News’ editor in chief, Bari Weiss, amid a torrent of controversies and lagging ratings on some programs. The network released a statement supporting her after a report that senior leadership at the company has discussed changing Weiss’s role to lessen her oversight of CBS News – and, potentially, CNN, if the company’s acquisition of Warner Bros Discovery receives government approval.
Paramount's Statement of Support
“Bari has the full support of Paramount and David Ellison as the editorial leader overseeing CBS News and 60 Minutes,” a Paramount spokesperson said. “Reports suggesting otherwise are inaccurate.” This statement came after Puck’s Dylan Byers reported that members of the senior leadership team have had informal discussions about changing Weiss’s mandate to give her less control over the linear product, shifting her focus to digital growth while maintaining broad editorial influence.
Concerns Over 60 Minutes
The report emerged amid fears that Weiss is planning to drastically retool the network’s most successful show, 60 Minutes. Insiders expressed concern that the show’s hallowed standing and strong ratings could be jeopardized. The show has already lost correspondent Anderson Cooper and is expected to cut ties with veteran Sharyn Alfonsi, meaning the cast will look quite different for its 59th season this fall.
A CBS News staffer expressed skepticism about the report, suggesting Weiss would need more stumbles before any change was made. Puck’s reporting indicated that Paramount could bring in an executive to oversee CBS News and possibly CNN. Currently, Weiss partners with Tom Cibrowski, president of CBS News. It is unclear whether CNN CEO Mark Thompson would remain if the merger is approved.
Ratings Challenges
One of Weiss’s top priorities was revamping the network’s evening news show, but ratings have struggled. For the last five weeks, the show has averaged fewer than 4 million total viewers per night, trending toward its second-lowest audience this century. The flagship morning show has also averaged under 2 million viewers per day, easily surpassed by NBC’s Today and ABC’s Good Morning America.
Weiss had no television experience when she was given oversight of CBS News’ editorial operations after David Ellison bought her digital site, the Free Press, for a reported $150 million.
