Bari Weiss Unveils Overhaul at CBS News, Names 18 Contributors

Bari Weiss, CBS News editor-in-chief, told employees at an all-hands meeting that the network must shift from broadcast to streaming and announced 18 new paid on-air contributors, according to an audio recording of the meeting.

Weiss framed the overhaul as urgent because 'we are not producing a product that enough people want' and cited a Gallup poll showing 28% public trust in mainstream media, according to her prepared remarks.

Several staffers said they feared retaliation for offering criticism and described the town hall as 'produced' and 'forced,' while Gayle King publicly praised Weiss's vision during the meeting, according to employees and an audio recording.

Paramount Skydance acquired Weiss's The Free Press for $150 million in October and installed her as CBS News editor-in-chief, company records show.

Producers accused Weiss of delaying a '60 Minutes' segment for additional reporting and alleged political motivations, an allegation Weiss denied and said she would not again pull segments after they were promoted, according to producers and Weiss's remarks.