CBS News staffers ‘apoplectic’ over Bari Weiss – Business News
CBS News staffers are “apoplectic” over studies that Bari Weiss — an avowedly pro-Israel journalist — is on the verge of taking a prime job on the Tiffany Network, in line with a report.
Weiss, the previous New York Times opinion editor who give up in 2020 after blasting the paper’s “illiberal environment,” is reportedly in line for a senior editorial position at CBS as half of Paramount’s pending acquisition of her startup, the Free Press, in a deal valued at up to $200 million.
Paramount boss David Ellison, who seized control of the community in an $8 billion mega-merger with Skydance, has declined to touch upon the talks. But the Puck News web site reported late Wednesday that the deal is in superior levels and more likely to close quickly.
CBS News staffers are “apoplectic” in regards to the prospect of taking orders from Bari Weiss, who’s reportedly poised to take a senior editorial position on the Tiffany Network. Getty Images for The Free Press
“Not happy AT ALL,” one particular person conversant in the temper inside CBS informed Status News, including that many journalists are bracing for influence.
Another insider warned that Weiss’ arrival would set off a firestorm, notably over protection of Israel and Gaza, saying some staff can be “apoplectic” on the prospect of taking editorial direction from her.
One distinguished journalist exterior CBS went even additional, telling Status they might resign quite than work beneath Weiss, summing up the state of affairs with a biting line: “Good night, and bad luck.”
“Good night, and bad luck” is a deliberate play on phrases that riffs on the legendary Fifties CBS News anchor Edward R. Murrow sign-off, “Good night, and good luck,” which grew to become the title of a 2005 George Clooney movie about Murrow.
The anti-Weiss backlash exhibits how rattled CBS workers already are after years of cutbacks and dwindling rankings.
Ellison has tried to calm nerves over anticipated adjustments on the Tiffany Network. On his victory lap after clinching the Paramount-Skydance deal final month, he stated he didn’t wish to “politicize the company.”
Paramount chief David Ellison, who seized control of CBS in an $8 billion Skydance merger, has declined to touch upon the Weiss talks. CBS
Yet his first large splash at CBS News is poised to be Weiss — a sharp-tongued critic of progressive orthodoxy who constructed the Free Press into a subscriber-driven platform mixing opinion, essays and interviews.
Puck media reporter Dylan Byers pegged Paramount’s offer for Weiss’ outlet at “well above” $100 million whereas different estimates have gone as high as $200 million — more than 10 instances its reported $10 million to $15 million in annual subscription income.
The Free Press launched in 2022 and rapidly drew consideration for high-profile contributors and Weiss’ confrontational voice on hot-button points. She has hosted interviews with senators and celebrities, and her podcast “Honestly” has booked Republican lawmakers together with Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas).
CBS News, as soon as home to Edward R. Murrow and Walter Cronkite, faces turmoil over Weiss’ looming appointment. AP
Ellison, 41, inherited CBS News because the centerpiece of Paramount Global after regulators signed off on his merger. The FCC conditioned its approval on main concessions, together with eliminating DEI mandates and putting in an ombudsman to monitor bias.
Those adjustments had been already seen inside CBS as a warning shot.
One insider likened the ombudsman’s workplace to a “hall monitor,” whereas some former anchors publicly fretted in regards to the community’s custom of impartial reporting.
Weiss, who give up the New York Times in 2020 over its “illiberal environment,” constructed the Free Press into a high-profile outlet. Getty Images for Uber, X and The Free Press
Now Weiss’ potential arrival has compounded these fears — and revived questions in regards to the destiny of present community president Tom Cibrowski, who has not commented.
Weiss has saved quiet publicly, and Paramount has refused to verify the deal. But with talks described by Puck as “on the one-yard line,” staffers are getting ready for a new chapter.
The Post has sought remark from Paramount and Weiss. CBS News declined to remark.
