Bari Weiss Demands CBS News Staff Memo on Operations by Tuesday
UPDATE: New CBS News editor-in-chief Bari Weiss has urgently requested that all staff submit detailed memos by Tuesday, October 10, 2023, outlining their daily roles and identifying what is “working” and what is “broken” within the network. This call for transparency comes as Weiss aims to align her vision with that of her new colleagues.
In a memo sent to staff earlier today, Weiss emphasized her desire to understand how employees spend their time and what they feel proud of in their work. She encouraged a straightforward approach, instructing staff to “be blunt” and avoid corporate jargon, making it clear that she seeks genuine feedback on improving the storied institution.
“I want to familiarize myself with you—and I want you to do the same with me—to know that we are aligned on achieving a shared vision for CBS News,” Weiss stated in her communication, which was first reported by Business Insider.
Weiss’s appointment as CBS News editor-in-chief has generated significant buzz in the media landscape, particularly given her background as the founder of The Free Press. Known for her critical stance on mainstream media and her engagement with controversial issues, Weiss’s leadership style is already being scrutinized.
The new directive mirrors past corporate practices but is striking for its directness. Weiss’s memo comes shortly after her appointment by Paramount Skydance chief David Ellison, who also acquired The Free Press for a staggering $150 million.
A CBS News veteran remarked, “It sounds like she wants us to justify our jobs and figure out if we align with her agenda.” As CBS News navigates this leadership change, the implications for its future direction remain uncertain.
As Weiss prepares to meet with staff in the coming weeks, the responses to her memo will serve as crucial discussion points. Employees are now under pressure to articulate their contributions and address any systemic issues within the network, marking a significant moment in CBS News’s evolution.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as we follow how CBS News adapts under Weiss’s leadership and the feedback from its staff. Will this initiative lead to a transformative change at CBS News? Time will tell.
