The Writers Guild of America (WGA) East, representing CBS News employees, has advised its members to refrain from responding to a recent email from Bari Weiss, the newly appointed editor-in-chief of CBS News and founder of The Free Press, until the company clarifies the intent behind her request.
Weiss’ email, sent on Friday, October 10, 2025, asked staff to submit detailed memos about their roles and perspectives on the organization, prompting concerns among union members about the purpose and implications of the directive.
In her memo, Weiss expressed enthusiasm for her new role and a desire to understand the inner workings of CBS News. She requested that all news division employees send her a memo by Tuesday, detailing “how you spend your working hours” and highlighting “what you’ve made (or are making) that you are most proud of.”
Additionally, she sought “your views on what’s working; what’s broken or substandard; and how we can be better.” The broad and open-ended nature of the request raised eyebrows among staff, prompting the WGA to intervene.
“We are aware that Bari Weiss sent an email asking CBS employees to provide information about their jobs and feedback about CBS News,” the union stated. “Many of you have expressed concern to us about the purpose of the email, and we share those concerns.”
The WGA announced it has formally demanded that CBS provide clarity on the email’s intent by Monday, October 13, 2025, and recommended that members hold off on responding until the union can share more information to ensure “an informed decision” by the deadline.
The WGA’s email was signed by Michael Isaac, director of broadcast/cable/streaming news, along with field representatives Brandon West, Sophie Martin, and Dana Trentalange. The union, which represents employees at both CBS News and CBS News Digital, emphasized its commitment to protecting members’ interests amid this uncertainty.
CBS News has not yet responded to requests for comment on the matter.