In brief
Three months into her tenure, CBS News head Bari Weiss has called for a dramatic shift in the network's approach to journalism. Acknowledging the burden of competing in a saturated media landscape, Weiss emphasized the importance of producing compelling, investigative content while urging a broader representation of political perspectives. As part of her strategy, she announced the hiring of 18 new contributors aimed at refreshing CBS News' voice and expanding its reach.
Addressing her team three months into her new role, Bari Weiss, the head of CBS News, emphasized the urgent need for the network to reshape its strategy, saying, 'If we stick to that strategy, we’re toast.' Drawing on the legacy of Walter Cronkite, she argued that nostalgia for the past must give way to innovations in journalism.
During her address, Weiss announced the hiring of 18 new contributors, aiming to revitalize the newsroom with fresh perspectives and ideas that can surprise and provoke discussion both inside and outside CBS News. Weiss, known for her prior work with the Free Press, has stirred debate and her approach has drawn scrutiny regarding its potential shift towards a more Trump-friendly narrative.
Weiss acknowledged the overwhelming competition from varied media sources, asserting, 'Our strategy until now has been to cling to the audience that remains on broadcast television.' She highlighted the necessity for CBS to adopt a streaming mentality, noting that modern audiences consume news across diverse platforms, including podcasts and YouTube.
‘We can’t reverse time’s arrow’, Weiss noted, urging the team to focus on investigative journalism that offers deep dives rather than fleeting news updates. She envisions CBS as a hub for experimentation and innovation, stating it is 'the best capitalized media start-up in the world.'
Lastly, Weiss expressed the need for the network to reflect America's political diversity more accurately, indicating that new contributors, including voices from various backgrounds, would be instrumental in achieving this.
