Report: Bari Weiss Frustrated Over Negative Backlash

Bari Weiss, the editor-in-chief of CBS News, has privately expressed deep frustration with the widespread negative backlash to her leadership and decisions since taking over in October 2025. According to sources familiar with internal discussions, she has blamed some subordinates for failing to effectively manage or suppress the mounting criticism directed at her tenure.

This revelation comes amid a turbulent start for Weiss at the network, as detailed in a New York Times report published Tuesday. Her efforts to revamp the "CBS Evening News"—including pushing for nightly segments with "viral potential" and overseeing the transition to new anchor Tony Dokoupil—have encountered significant setbacks. These include a high-profile teleprompter malfunction during Dokoupil's January 5 debut, which drew public mockery, and earlier controversies such as the postponement of a "60 Minutes" segment critical of Trump administration policies.

Weiss, who lacks prior experience managing a major television news organization, has relied heavily on a small circle of trusted aides brought from her previous venture, The Free Press. The pattern of internal and external scrutiny has intensified, with her changes often portrayed as disruptive to CBS News' traditional operations and culture.

The ongoing challenges highlight broader tensions within the network as it grapples with declining viewership rankings behind competitors like ABC and NBC, while facing questions about editorial direction under new ownership influences.