Former CBS Evening News anchor Dan Rather has expressed significant concerns regarding the recent hire of Bari Weiss as editor in chief at CBS News. In a post on his Substack, Steady, Rather highlighted that Weiss's appointment may foster a culture of fear within the news division, as staff members grapple with uncertainty about their job security.
Rather contextualized Weiss's hiring within the backdrop of the Skydance-Paramount merger, pointing out that the companies had to yield to pressure from the Trump administration to secure approval from the FCC for the merger. "That deal and the hiring of Weiss signals to everyone, especially to the man in the Oval Office, that CBS is no longer independent, but under the tutelage of a conservative billionaire who is putting more than his thumb on the scale," Rather wrote.
As Paramount prepares for anticipated layoffs, Rather noted that many CBS News journalists are increasingly worried about their futures while having to report to Weiss, who is primarily known as an opinion writer rather than a seasoned reporter. Rather emphasized that instead of fulfilling their roles as "sentinels of democracy" who independently cover the news, journalists may now find themselves preoccupied with how their pitches and stories will align with Weiss's political agenda.
“They will be dogged by worry that anything they do, any question they ask, will be scrutinized to ensure that it suits the political powers,” Rather cautioned. He further warned that any content that contradicts Trump's agenda may be flagged, significantly impacting the integrity of news reporting. “No journalist or their work can remain unaffected by toiling in such an environment,” he added, highlighting the precarious situation for journalists at CBS News.
Rather described this moment as a "dark day in the halls of CBS News," referencing the legacy of television news pioneers like Walter Cronkite, Edward R. Murrow, and Eric Sevareid. He lamented the shift away from the trusted journalism that these figures embodied, raising the question: "Whom and what are we to believe today?"
On Monday, it was announced that Paramount would acquire Weiss’s site, The Free Press, known for its pro-Israel and anti-woke commentary. Despite lacking experience in broadcast journalism, Weiss will take on the role of editor in chief at CBS News. In her statement to Free Press subscribers, she articulated concerns about the rise of "illiberalism" from both the far left and far right, urging a recognition of the extremes that do not represent the majority of Americans.
Rather criticized Weiss's viewpoint, suggesting it could lead to a dangerous push for "bothsidesism," which can create false equivalences between political extremes. He emphasized that no equivalence can be drawn, especially when one side is led by an individual who frequently spreads falsehoods. Rather concluded that Weiss's approach could give the illusion of fair and balanced coverage, but ultimately undermines journalistic integrity.
A spokesperson from Paramount declined to comment on the situation, leaving many questions unanswered as the news community watches closely how Weiss's appointment will shape the future of CBS News.
