Bari Weiss, the new editor in chief of CBS News, addressed her staff head-on. She recognized the concerns about her controversial background and understood that some employees might not support her. “I get it,” she said. Weiss emphasized the importance of earning trust, stating, “I’m here to bring transparency and straightforward communication.”
Since joining CBS News after her company was acquired for a hefty sum, Weiss has shared her vision. She aims to modernize the network and make it relevant for today’s audience. As part of her strategy, CBS is adding 18 new contributors from various fields, including renowned figures like medical expert Mark Hyman and historian Niall Ferguson. However, some of these additions have stirred up controversy.
Despite this, Weiss remains optimistic. She acknowledged that change isn’t easy, but believes CBS can transform and regain public trust. “If we do our jobs well, CBS News will look different in a year,” she said. But she was honest about current challenges, admitting, “Right now, we are not producing a product that enough people want.”
Trust in mainstream media has been waning. A recent survey showed that only 29% of Americans trust news organizations. Weiss pointed out that CBS must adapt to keep viewers engaged.
During a Q&A session, Weiss reflected on a decision regarding a delayed segment about Venezuelans in a Salvadorian prison. She expressed regret for not releasing the segment sooner, promising that logistical issues wouldn’t happen again.
Some staffers shared their worries about feeling censored or fearful of speaking up within the newsroom. Weiss acknowledged these issues, and Gayle King, a well-known CBS morning host, encouraged employees, reminding them of their passion for journalism.
Weiss’s approach and openness may resonate with viewers who want clarity and relevance in news reporting. The real test will be whether her vision leads to genuine changes at CBS News.
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