Bari Weiss, the newly appointed editor-in-chief of CBS News, is reportedly considering significant changes to the network’s flagship evening news program. Reports suggest she is evaluating high-profile names for potential leadership roles, including Bret Baier, a prominent figure in broadcast journalism.
Weiss assumed her role after CBS acquired “The Free Press,” a publication she previously founded, for $150 million in early October. The move, initially highlighted by Oliver Darcy’s Status newsletter, faces logistical challenges, as Baier is under contract with his current network through 2028 at an annual salary of $14 million.
Weiss established “The Free Press” in 2021 after leaving The New York Times in 2020 amid controversy over a Republican senator’s op-ed. She previously operated the outlet as a newsletter called “Common Sense,” later expanding it into a broader platform.
CBS Evening News, currently co-hosted by John Dickerson and Maurice DuBois, has experienced declining ratings since Norah O’Donnell stepped down in January. The program, now structured more like a 60 Minutes-style magazine, features longer segments on specific topics. Despite these changes, viewership has dropped to an average of 4.1 million per episode, according to Nielsen, compared to O’Donnell’s 4.8 million.
Weiss is reportedly engaging with staff to reshape the program, with Norah O’Donnell and Tony Dokoupil among those under consideration for roles. The network’s leadership continues to navigate challenges in maintaining its competitive edge in a rapidly evolving media landscape.