CBS News has appointed Bari Weiss as its new editor-in-chief, a move aimed at revitalizing the network’s image and operations. Weiss has already set the literary world abuzz with her dazzling editorial accomplishments. David Ellison, the chief executive of CBS owner Paramount Skydance, lured her away. This return comes at a pivotal point for CBS News. The network has faced backlash over the network’s editing practices over the years.
David Ellison, son of Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison, has been stirring things up at CBS News. At the very moment, he’s mounting a hostile bid to takeover Warner Bros Discovery. This media behemoth now controls everything from CNN to the NewsHour’s direct competitor, HBO. Ellison’s ambitions in the media landscape coincide with Weiss’s appointment, suggesting a strategic direction for CBS News under the umbrella of Paramount Skydance.
Of all the changes expected at the network, Weiss’ influence will likely be the most far-reaching, especially when it comes to talent and programming decisions. One of her first big decisions was to elevate Tony Dokoupil to be one of the network’s top on-air faces. Dokoupil had initially been scheduled to begin his anchor duties on January 5. Then suddenly, two days early, he made an exception to cover a big booking — the U.S. president.
Tony Dokoupil’s success as an anchor will be crucial litmus test for Weiss’s own future at CBS. His leadership will be critical in shaping the future of the network. His notable presence on the network may bolster its ratings and public perception, which have been under fire in recent months. Beyond CBS Weiss has made clear public statements claiming a desire to overcome the criticisms levied against CBS’s past editorial decisions.
In a statement reflecting his approach to journalism, Dokoupil remarked, “You may not agree with everything you hear on this broadcast.” The significance of this sentiment on diversity goes beyond representations within CBS News’s programming.
The network’s past editorial decisions have led to major outcries. One such striking example is a major lawsuit by Donald Trump, following a 60 Minutes interview with then-Vice President Kamala Harris. Fox is hardly the first outlet that’s courted Trump’s wrath—and unavoidable censorship—through critical coverage. CBS News is just the latest example. This has produced a contentious dynamic between his administration and the news organization.
Adding to the media landscape’s complexity, comedian Nikki Glaser made headlines during the Golden Globes by joking about CBS News’s editing decisions. She quipped, “the award for most editing goes to … CBS News.” Such comments are in touch with the times and ongoing public anger and distrust about how we report and, as importantly, edit the news.
In anybody’s hands, the new position would be a challenge. She will need to navigate CBS News amid unprecedented competition and evolving viewer expectations. We know that the network’s reputation rests almost exclusively on its editorial integrity. It’s up to the quality of its anchors, most notably Tony Dokoupil, who personifies the new vision Weiss wants to bring to bear.