CBS News staffers faced conflicting directives on Monday after some producers urged journalists to respond to a memo from new Editor in Chief Bari Weiss, while the Writers Guild of America (WGA) advised union members to hold off, according to three people familiar with the matter. Weiss, who was appointed by Paramount Skydance CEO David Ellison, asked employees to detail how they spend their working hours and share their thoughts on CBS News, aiming to align the team on a shared vision.
The WGA quickly counselled union members not to reply until CBS clarified the memo's purpose, including whether responses could be used as a basis for discipline, discharge, or layoff. The memo has added to the turmoil at CBS News, where Weiss's appointment—given her background as a digital entrepreneur and opinion writer with no experience in mainstream TV news—has sparked unease. She reports directly to Ellison, while Tom Cibrowski, a former ABC executive and CBS News president, works alongside her.
The confusion comes as Paramount executives plan significant workforce cuts to reduce costs, with layoff details expected in the next earnings report. One insider described the situation as 'mass confusion,' as some superiors urge compliance with Weiss's request while the union advises the opposite. Some producers not covered by union contracts may feel pressured to follow the new boss's orders.
CBS News has struggled in recent years, with its flagship programmes 'CBS Evening News' and 'CBS Mornings' consistently ranking third behind NBC News and ABC News. However, the division retains strong viewer trust, particularly for 'CBS Sunday Morning' and '60 Minutes'. According to Pew Research Center, 51% of US adults who trust national news organisations trust CBS News, putting it on par with CNN and PBS, behind only ABC News and NBC News.
