CBS News Staff Divided Over Gayle King's Defence of Bari Weiss Amid Buyout Offers
Significant internal divisions have emerged at CBS News following veteran anchor Gayle King's impassioned defence of embattled editor-in-chief Bari Weiss during a recent all-hands meeting. According to multiple network insiders who spoke exclusively to The Independent, staff reactions range from "utter disappointment" to supportive applause, revealing deep fractures within the American broadcasting institution.
Controversial Remarks Spark Backlash
During Tuesday's company-wide gathering, King concluded proceedings with a fiery speech that simultaneously praised Weiss's editorial vision while raging against staff members who have leaked information to the press. The CBS Mornings co-host declared herself "so sick" of internal discussions appearing in newspapers and suggested that employees unhappy with the network's new direction should consider leaving.
"I would like to think that we can have conversations, and then we could talk candidly with each other, and it's not going to be friggin' be in the paper," King exclaimed during the meeting. "If you don't want to be here, if this is not the place for you, it's OK."
Staff Reactions: From 'Salty' to Supportive
Multiple network sources described colleagues as "pretty salty" about King's performance, with one staffer characterising her remarks as "such an utter disappointment." The employee criticised King for allegedly making the situation "about her not liking the fact that people are talking to the press about her future at CBS News" while ignoring "the substance of people's grievances and fears."
Another insider suggested King's motivation was self-preservation, stating: "She's not going to say anything against the person who will determine her job status. This was her only play." The source added that King "wants to stay relevant" and maintain her position on CBS Mornings.
However, contrasting perspectives emerged from other employees who attended the meeting. One staffer reported "nothing but positive feelings at the end of the town hall yesterday," noting that King received warm applause throughout her speech. Another described the 70-year-old presenter as "beloved" among the CBS Mornings team and asserted the overall response was "overwhelmingly positive."
Buyout Offers Follow Weiss's Ultimatum
The controversy unfolded against a backdrop of significant organisational change, with CBS News President Tom Cibrowski beginning to offer buyouts to staff members just one day after Weiss urged disgruntled employees to leave if they didn't support her vision. According to sources familiar with the matter, the entire CBS Evening News staff in the United States received enhanced separation payment offers, though details remained undisclosed until employees clicked links in emailed communications.
An internal email obtained by The Independent explained: "At yesterday's All-Hands, Bari charted a course for CBS News that's very different from the one we're now on. The Evening News has a new host and a new direction, and there will be more change coming." The message acknowledged that some staff might not share enthusiasm for this vision while offering "an extraordinary chance to leave CBS News with an enhanced separation payment."
Weiss's Transformative Vision
During the same meeting where King spoke, Weiss outlined her ambitious strategy for CBS News, describing the network as "the best-capitalised media startup in the world." The former Free Press founder announced the hiring of eighteen new contributors while emphasising a renewed focus on investigative scoops and explanatory journalism.
"We are going to be talking a lot about scoops going forward," Weiss declared, adding that CBS News would prioritise "scoops of investigations, scoops of ideas and scoops of explanation."
The editorial chief directly addressed staff concerns about job security and editorial direction, acknowledging that "startups aren't for everybody" and offering what she characterised as a respectful off-ramp for dissatisfied employees. "If that's not your bag, that's OK," Weiss stated. "It's a free country, and I completely respect if you decide I'm not the right leader for you, or this isn't the right place at the right time."
Broader Organisational Turmoil
These developments follow months of upheaval at CBS News parent company Paramount, where chief executive David Ellison implemented sweeping cuts resulting in approximately one hundred layoffs. The restructuring eliminated multiple streaming shows, gutted the network's Saturday morning programme, and dismantled the CBS News race and culture team.
The CBS Evening News has faced particular challenges during its rocky relaunch under new anchor Tony Dokoupil, with reports of poor ratings, technical mishaps, plummeting staff morale, and accusations of political bias. Meanwhile, industry publication Variety reported that Dokoupil and executive producer Kim Harvey have attempted to dissuade management from implementing further cuts to their programme.
As CBS News navigates this period of profound transformation, the divergent reactions to King's defence of Weiss underscore the complex dynamics at play within a news organisation attempting to redefine its identity while managing internal dissent and external scrutiny.
