Just under a month into her leadership of CBS News, Bari Weiss is confronting evident difficulties: leveraging her background in establishing a digital news venture to revitalize a traditional broadcaster. She must also address skepticism about her suitability for the role and attract skilled individuals while managing a hesitant workforce that opposes her conservative perspectives.
In a story published in the latest issue of Coins2Day, my colleague Jeff John Roberts explores these topics in depth. “Bari Weiss wants to save America. First she has to save CBS News,” is the title he chose.
“Saving America” is what the Free Press, which sold to Paramount through billionaire scion David Ellison for $150 million, promised to do—as an alternative to “mindless partisanship” in the news. It’s on track for about $20 million in revenue this year—minuscule compared to the broadcaster.
Weiss declined to speak with Jeff for his article; CBS indicated she was too recently appointed to the position for an interview. Consequently, his report examines the numerous obstacles Weiss faces and her prospects for surmounting them.
The scrutiny of Weiss has centered on her journalistic approach, questioning its suitability for CBS News and its implications for the network's future. However, CBS's most significant hurdles are fundamental business issues. The broadcaster requires fresh revenue and distribution plans, rather than simply aiming to attract viewers away from Fox News, as former Time president Keith Grossman elaborates in this report.
Having the attention of the wealthy owner and influential figures in Washington can be quite beneficial, perhaps more than some skeptics would anticipate.
Read Jeff’s full story here.
Emma Hinchliffe
emma.Hinchliffe@coins2day.com
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ON MY RADAR
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PARTING WORDS
"We played the long game. Culture caught up.”
— Sprout Pharmaceuticals founder Cindy Eckert on her drug Addyi, a pill for women's libido