CBS News recently found itself amid a whirlwind of confusion and concern. After Bari Weiss, the new Editor in Chief, sent out a memo asking staff to share how they spend their work hours and their opinions on CBS News, reactions from employees were mixed. Some felt compelled to respond, while others, advised by the Writers Guild of America (WGA), hesitated. They feared their answers could lead to potential job consequences.
Weiss stepped into her role last week, and it hasn’t been smooth sailing. Hired by Paramount Skydance CEO David Ellison, she has a unique background as a digital entrepreneur but lacks experience in running a traditional news outlet. Tom Cibrowski, a seasoned executive from ABC, has been brought in to help guide her. However, the tension remains palpable among CBS staff, many of whom are worried about upcoming layoffs as the company seeks to reduce its workforce significantly.
Employees report feeling torn. They’ve been encouraged by some producers to write to Weiss, while the WGA has cautioned them against it, creating confusion. Some producers aren’t union members, adding to the pressure to comply with management requests.
Historically, CBS News has seen a revolving door of executives, failing to regain its standing in the competitive news landscape. Shows like “CBS Evening News” and “CBS Mornings” sit in third place, trailing behind NBC and ABC. Yet, CBS has built a solid reputation over the years. According to a Pew Research Center survey, 51% of U.S. adults trust CBS News, putting it on par with CNN and PBS.
This troubled backdrop raises questions about the future of CBS News. As the industry evolves, can it adapt while maintaining the trust of its audience? The coming months will be telling. For more context on the state of trust in media, you can refer to the Pew Research Center’s findings here.
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Bari Weiss,CBS News,Paramount Skydance