By John Q. Hosedrinker 
In her address to CBS News staff, newly appointed boss Bari Weiss expressed a need for transformation, stating the current strategy is unsustainable. Weiss announced the addition of 18 new contributors, emphasizing a shift toward stories that provoke and surprise, including within the newsroom itself. She believes the network must embrace a streaming mentality and become a hub for new ideas to cater to a broader audience. Ultimately, Weiss views CBS News as a dynamic “media start-up” and is determined to modernize the network to meet the challenges of contemporary media consumption.
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CBS News is going to put a huge emphasis on producing scoops, according to Bari Weiss. This declaration, however, has been met with significant skepticism. The recent hiring of Andrew Huberman as a contributor, for example, has raised eyebrows, especially considering Huberman’s past social media comments. Many wonder if these are the kind of “scoops” Weiss envisions, or if a different brand of journalism is needed to save the news organization.
It’s clear that the situation at CBS News is perceived as dire by many. There’s a prevailing sense that the network is on a rapid decline, a decline directly attributable to Weiss’s leadership. Some believe she’s actively undermining the legacy of CBS News, trading the values of journalistic integrity for a pursuit of something else. This view contrasts the esteemed history of CBS News with a direction that seems to favor a particular political agenda.
The criticism goes beyond mere dissatisfaction; it’s a condemnation of Weiss’s perceived actions. She’s viewed as someone who doesn’t understand or respect the core principles of journalism. The comparison to other networks, like Der Sturmer, paints a grim picture of where CBS News is headed, according to some. The perception is that she’s catering to a specific audience, potentially alienating the broader viewership that once relied on CBS News for reliable information.
The emphasis on producing investigative scoops, scoops of ideas, and explanations rings hollow to some. The suggestion to focus on stories like the CECOT prison in El Salvador highlights a dissonance between the ambition and the lack of journalistic integrity. Invoking Walter Cronkite as an example of “old thinking” has been met with bewilderment, suggesting a disconnect from the network’s rich history and established journalistic standards.
Weiss’s strategy seems to involve an attempt to appeal to both sides of the political spectrum. This approach, however, is viewed as a miscalculation, with the consequence being that CBS News is losing credibility with its audience. The idea that CBS News is a “start-up” is viewed as a delusion, as is her claim that the path they are on is not working. The perception is that the focus on catering to both sides instead of doing real journalism is backfiring, and that this will spell the end of the news organization.
The concerns about Weiss extend to her management style and the direction she’s taking the network. Some see her as someone who is demanding the rest of the newsroom follow her lead. The belief that CBS News is being transformed into a right-leaning outlet is widespread, with the fear that this will lead to a decline in viewership and the eventual downfall of the network. There’s an underlying sentiment that Weiss’s agenda is not about improving CBS News but about destroying it.
The concerns go beyond the editorial direction of CBS News. The perception is that Weiss is intentionally harming the reputation of CBS News. There is a prevalent belief that she is out of her depth and that her lack of experience is damaging the network’s ability to provide credible news. The assertion that her actions are driven by political motives, potentially even fueled by those with a specific agenda, adds a layer of distrust.
The fear is that CBS News is now merely a propaganda outlet, potentially mirroring the approach of Fox News. The criticism directed toward Weiss underscores a crisis of confidence. The network’s current path is regarded as a path to obsolescence. The potential for manipulation is present, with some suggesting that her goal is to undermine the network from within, paving the way for a sale to those with ulterior motives.
The overall sentiment is one of disappointment and apprehension. There’s a feeling that CBS News is failing in its mission to provide objective news. The fear is that the legacy of respected journalists like Walter Cronkite is being tarnished. The feeling is that the direction CBS News is taking with the leadership of Bari Weiss is a direct threat to its long-term viability, and that unless a course correction is implemented, the network may soon be lost.