Despite intense scrutiny over multiple firings, CBS News Editor-in-Chief Bari Weiss is not going anywhere. There’s one major reason the network can’t let go of its controversial boss, and it’s because of Donald Trump.
There is speculation that CBS is keeping Bari Weiss safe because of Donald Trump
According to RadarOnline, after firing the former 60 Minutes correspondent Scott Pelley, Weiss’s job has reportedly been put at risk. However, an industry executive told the outlet that he plays an important role in Paramount’s multi-billion-dollar merger with Warner Bros., a deal that will require President Trump’s approval. The 42-year-old editor-in-chief was chosen by Skydance founder David Ellison, a friend of Trump, to help give CBS a reportedly “anti-woke” approach.
The source said, “While the merger is still in play, Bari is safe. It’s clear the Ellisons tapped her to appease an audience of one – Donald Trump.” Adding, “Once the mergers are finalized, they will have no further use for her. The problem with that thinking is – there might not be anything left at CBS News to salvage.”
Mike Fahey, head of Fahey Communications, spoke about how Pelley’s remarks and firing have highlighted growing tensions inside CBS. He said, “When a journalist of Scott Pelley’s stature publicly accuses leadership of undermining the institution and is terminated almost immediately afterward, it tells me there is a deep fracture inside the organization. Deeper than anyone may have believed before.”
“Whether you agree with Pelley or management, neither side appears interested in pretending things are normal anymore. There’s no more keeping up with appearances,” he explained.
Fahey said Weiss had entered the “prove-it phase” of her leadership. “Every leader gets a honeymoon period. Hers appears to be over. This is where the rubber meets the road,” he added.
Further, Head of Fahey Communications also said, “The challenge for Bari isn’t convincing her supporters. It’s convincing her critics. Right now, she doesn’t just have to run the newsroom. She has to convince skeptical journalists, viewers, and industry observers that she’s capable of protecting the integrity of a brand that existed long before she arrived.”
On June 2, Pelley, who had been part of 60 Minutes since 2004, was reportedly fired by new executive producer Nick Bilton. Pelley addressed his firing via an Instagram post, writing, “There has never been anything in America like 60 Minutes.” He mentioned, “Now, the new owner of our network is casting this legend aside, apparently to curry a moment of favor with the Trump administration. The waste is heartbreaking.” Cecilia Vega was fired on May 28. On Instagram, she mentioned she and producers had “experienced efforts to insert political bias” into stories.
TELL US- WHAT IS YOUR TAKE ON THIS?
Originally reported by Meenakshi Sengupta on Reality Tea
