CBS News Faces Internal Conflict as New Leadership Targets Veteran Journalists
Bari Weiss, the newly appointed editor-in-chief of CBS News, is reportedly preparing to continue her shake-up of the network's veteran staff, with 60 Minutes correspondents Sharyn Alfonsi and Scott Pelley now in her sights. This development follows significant editorial clashes and public criticism directed at Weiss and the network's ownership, creating a tense atmosphere within the historic news division.
Editorial Clashes Spark Internal Warfare
The conflict escalated dramatically when Weiss held back a segment by Sharyn Alfonsi investigating the Trump administration's deportation of migrants to the notorious CECOT prison in El Salvador. Weiss argued the piece lacked comprehensive balance without an on-record statement from a White House official, labelling it not "comprehensive and fair." This decision led to a heated confrontation, with Alfonsi reportedly exclaiming, "You don't get to produce me!" during a shouting match involving Weiss's deputy, Adam Rubenstein.
Alfonsi defended her work in internal communications, stating the segment had been "screened five times and cleared by both CBS attorneys and Standards and Practices. It is factually correct." She accused Weiss of making a political rather than editorial decision, warning that if the government's refusal to comment becomes grounds to kill stories, "we have effectively handed them a 'kill switch' for any reporting they find inconvenient."
Veteran Correspondents Under Pressure
Scott Pelley, a CBS veteran since 1989 and former evening news anchor, has also drawn management's ire through repeated criticism of network owners Paramount. This has reportedly angered new CEO David Ellison, creating additional tension at the executive level. With Alfonsi's contract expiring in coming months and Pelley's future uncertain, the network appears willing to buy out contracts to facilitate departures.
Insiders describe a deepening divide, with one source characterising CBS News staff as believing "their s**t doesn't stink" and predicting "it's going to be a war" between the established journalists and Weiss, who was hired to restore perceived fairness to the network. Another source noted that "CBS News is allergic to changes – especially 60 Minutes people" and that veterans lack respect for Weiss's qualifications, given her background running the anti-woke outlet The Free Press rather than leading a major news organisation.
Segment Eventually Airs After Controversial Delay
The disputed CECOT segment eventually aired this past Sunday after nearly a month of controversy, during which it accidentally broadcast in Canada and circulated online. The updated version included three additional minutes of reporting and statements from multiple US government agencies, though it still lacked direct interviews with Trump officials despite Weiss's personal efforts to secure one with Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem or Border Czar Tom Homan.
A CBS News spokesperson stated, "CBS News leadership has always been committed to airing the 60 Minutes CECOT piece as soon as it was ready. Tonight, viewers get to see it, along with other important stories, all of which speak to CBS News' independence and the power of our storytelling."
Broader Restructuring and Salary Concerns
The targeting of Alfonsi and Pelley follows reports that Weiss is also considering significant changes for Gayle King, potentially stripping her of the CBS Mornings co-host role she has held since 2012. Insiders indicate Weiss views King's eight-figure salary – estimated between $13-15 million annually – as excessive and wants to reduce it substantially. King's contract expires in May, and while Weiss has offered alternative roles including special correspondent positions, her future at the network remains uncertain.
Weiss's tenure has been marked by several controversial moves, including the hiring of former ABC journalist Matt Gutman as chief reporter and the promotion of Tony Dokoupil to host CBS Evening News. Her highly publicised town hall with Erika Kirk last year proved a ratings disappointment, adding to scrutiny of her leadership capabilities.
Uncertain Executive Support and Future Direction
Questions persist about whether CEO David Ellison will maintain steadfast support for Weiss, with one insider suggesting, "She's becoming a headache and Ellison doesn't need a headache. They will do the bare minimum in appeasing Bari Weiss in the hopes she flames out." Others suggest Weiss may have limited time to establish control, with another source noting, "Everyone at CBS News knows there will be a boss every two years," implying veteran journalists might simply attempt to "wait out" her tenure.
Weiss has defended her editorial decisions as standard practice, telling The Times, "My job is to make sure that all stories we publish are the best they can be. Holding stories that aren't ready for whatever reason – that they lack sufficient context, say, or that they are missing critical voices – happens every day in every newsroom." She maintains that getting principals "on the record and on camera" represents her "north star" for 60 Minutes journalism.
The ongoing turmoil represents a critical test for CBS News as it navigates changing leadership, editorial standards, and financial pressures under its new Paramount ownership structure.
