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Paramount Weighs Scaling Back Bari Weiss's Control at CBS News

Leaders are exploring a handoff of daily TV operations to a veteran to steady flagship shows.

Overview

  • According to Puck News, senior leaders at Paramount have discussed narrowing Weiss's mandate, though no decision has been made.
  • Under the scenario described, an unnamed, more experienced executive would run CBS Evening News, CBS Mornings, and 60 Minutes, while Weiss focuses on digital growth and keeps broad editorial influence.
  • The talks reflect concern that Weiss arrived without TV management experience, took on too broad a brief, and has drawn persistent negative press and internal complaints about bandwidth and leadership.
  • Recent flashpoints include tech glitches as Tony Dokoupil took over Evening News, visa snags that sent a China-trip broadcast to Taiwan, staff departures and a delayed El Salvador prison piece at 60 Minutes, and Anderson Cooper’s exit with a parting critique.
  • Names floated in the reporting include CNN chief Mark Thompson and former Paramount president Jeff Shell, and it remains unclear how involved David Ellison is in any change.