The appointment of Bari Weiss as editor in chief of CBS News has jolted Hollywood, stirring conversations about the implications of her controversial past and the influence of David Ellison, the new CEO of CBS’s parent company, Paramount Skydance. Weiss, previously known for her role at The New York Times and her founding of the anti-woke platform, The Free Press, has gained attention in media circles, particularly following her recent hiring.
While many in the entertainment industry had previously dismissed Weiss’s significance, her new position has prompted fresh scrutiny. A screenwriter noted, “I don’t think that people in LA were thinking about Bari Weiss much before. During the Biden years, we could afford to ignore people like that.” With the political landscape shifting and Donald Trump‘s resurgence, the dynamics of media influence are evolving.
David Simon, the acclaimed writer behind *The Wire* and *The Deuce*, expressed his concerns about Weiss’s ascension to a pivotal role in journalism. He remarked, “Murrow and Cronkite have both interrupted their peaceful mouldering… we need to consider the geologic risks to us all.” This sentiment reflects the anxieties shared among many in the industry regarding the direction of journalism under her leadership.
Hollywood insiders are increasingly alarmed by the political implications of Weiss’s hiring. The abrupt suspension of Jimmy Kimmel’s late-night show by Disney’s ABC, following threats from the Trump-appointed FCC chairman, exemplifies the vulnerability of media executives to political pressure. “We just couldn’t believe that it was happening,” one screenwriter commented, highlighting the blurred lines between entertainment and news.
As Weiss embarks on her role, there is a palpable sense of uncertainty about how her conservative leanings might influence content creation. Concerns abound regarding the potential chilling effect on creative expression, with industry professionals wondering if they will face pressure to align with a specific political narrative. “What kind of chilling effect could the Trump administration’s demand for a conservative viewpoint have on entertainment?” raised another screenwriter.
Despite the unease, some industry members remain cautiously optimistic. “Often, someone young and fresh and charismatic and opinionated comes in, and sometimes they don’t mess up, right?” one insider noted, suggesting that a fresh perspective could yield positive results. Nonetheless, the possibility of Hollywood transforming into a state-controlled media front looms large in discussions.
Weiss’s early actions, including an email soliciting input on how CBS News employees spend their working hours, have drawn mixed reactions. Some colleagues found her approach reminiscent of a “confident intern,” expressing skepticism about her editorial strategy. “It’s just kind of a shock that this is who’s in charge,” one producer remarked.
Amid continuous layoffs and instability within CBS and Paramount, employees are grappling with a sense of disorientation. “You have the instability of what’s happening at the company and in our newsroom, and then you have the instability and unknown about what’s happening in the world that you’re reporting on,” a CBS source shared. The sentiment echoes a broader anxiety regarding the future of journalism.
As Weiss navigates her new role, industry figures are weighing the potential impact of her leadership on the media landscape. Many hope that her experience in marketing and digital platforms can be harnessed effectively, while others fear that her focus on opinion-based journalism may undermine the integrity of news reporting.
The unfolding situation at CBS News is being closely monitored, as it could have wider repercussions for both the media industry and the entertainment sector. The overarching question remains: will Weiss’s leadership mark a transformative moment for journalism or lead to an era of increased political control? As Hollywood reflects on these developments, the stakes for both media and creative expression continue to rise.
