MAGA-Curious CBS Boss’ Own New Hire Issues Dire Warning for Her

Key Points:

• Bari Weiss, appointed to lead CBS News after a merger involving Trump ally David Ellison, faces significant challenges as her tenure has led to staff departures and internal conflicts, especially at 60 Minutes.
• Weiss has recruited controversial figures like Sir Trevor Phillips, who warned that Weiss' efforts to revamp the network could either "change the world or crash and burn," highlighting the high stakes and risks involved.
• The hiring of commentators with limited TV journalism experience, such as Ross Douthat, has drawn criticism from industry veterans who doubt their suitability for prestigious roles on 60 Minutes.
• New team members include Gianna Toboni, Sebastian Junger, and Norah O’Donnell, but critics compare them unfavorably to former legendary correspondents, questioning the quality of recent hires.
• CBS News has experienced a notable decline in ratings across flagship programs since Weiss’ leadership began, with CBS Evening News and CBS Mornings hitting historic lows amid perceptions of a rightward editorial shift and less critical coverage of the Trump administration.