In the world of television news, CBS seems to be in quite the pickle. They’ve brought in Bari Weiss, a new editor-in-chief, and boy, is she shaking things up. The staff at CBS News is up in arms over a simple request she made, asking employees to share what they do all day. This, it appears, is scandalous behavior. The backlash has been swift and intense, with some folks calling for mass resignations and questioning Bari’s credentials, despite the fact that knowing what employees are up to is usually, you know, a normal managerial practice.
It seems Bari Weiss is stirring the pot a bit too much for some at CBS. Critics, including some big names in journalism circles, suggest she’s underqualified because she didn’t work her way up through traditional news reporting. Accusations fly that she’s an “anti-woke” and “pro-Israel” figure whose editorial style is doomed to fail. Yet, a quick look at the current state of CBS News—lacking in balance and seemingly allergic to differing points of view—might just suggest her perspective is exactly what’s needed.
Much of the criticism also centers on Bari Weiss’s supposed political leanings, with many detractors unable to comprehend why a network might want to diversify its opinions. The truth is, CBS could use a good shake-up. The field is currently overflowing with staff who appear more interested in delivering one-sided narratives than challenging discussions. While some find comfort in the echo chamber, Bari seems intent on opening some windows to let in fresh air—and maybe a few different perspectives.
Let’s face it, the mainstream media has often been accused of being out of touch with a large segment of American voters, particularly the 77 million who voted for President Trump. It’s as if having a newsroom that represents the wide range of American thought is some novel idea, rather than a fundamental part of journalism. CBS’s lack of diversity in thought is not unique, though their resistance to change now comes off as a bit more dramatic than necessary.
In the end, whether or not Bari Weiss succeeds at CBS remains to be seen. Running a news department where unionized employees seem to panic at the first sign of accountability is no easy task. Weiss faces a tough challenge ahead—one that involves not just improving ratings and chasing the latest scoop, but ensuring the delivery of thorough, unbiased news. For those who have found CBS’s recent offerings lacking, there’s a glimmer of hope in the opportunity for change. And perhaps, just perhaps, Weiss is the right person to lead the charge towards a more balanced and truthful representation of news.
