Wednesday, January 28, 2026-CBS News Editor‑in‑Chief Bari Weiss has unveiled a sweeping overhaul of the struggling news division as she seeks to reshape the network for the digital era. In a staff meeting this week, Weiss announced plans to bring in a group of about 18 paid commentators covering topics from national security to health and culture, part of her strategy to “widen the aperture” of perspectives the network presents.
The new contributors include high‑profile figures such as a former national security adviser and prominent conservative voices, underscoring Weiss’s intent to diversify commentary and disrupt traditional newsroom norms.
At the same time, Weiss signaled that significant newsroom cuts are expected, although she offered few specifics on who might be affected or when reductions would occur.
Her leadership has already sparked internal debate, particularly around changes to long‑standing programs like “60 Minutes” and the CBS Evening News, with some journalists expressing concern about morale and editorial direction. Weiss has emphasized her eagerness to learn broadcast news and build trust with audiences, arguing that traditional broadcast models must evolve if CBS is to regain relevance and expand its reach.
The overhaul comes amid broader industry pressures, including declining ratings compared with rivals and shifting viewer habits toward streaming and social media platforms. Weiss has framed her approach as a necessary transformation, marrying core journalistic principles with modern storytelling tools to appeal to “independently minded Americans.”
However, the changes have also drawn criticism from within and outside the newsroom, with some observers questioning whether the strategy will strengthen CBS’s journalistic integrity or deepen divisions over the network’s future direction.
0 Comments