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CBS News Faces Ratings Drop and Internal Strife Under Bari Weiss Leadership

Since Bari Weiss took over as Editor-in-Chief in October 2025, CBS News has encountered declining viewership, notably a 20% drop in the '60 Minutes' season premiere, alongside internal controversies including layoffs and union walkouts.

Timeline

  1. 2025-10: Bari Weiss appointed Editor-in-Chief of CBS News.
  2. 2026-03: CBS News Radio division closed leading to layoffs; unionized CBS News 24/7 staff held a 24-hour walkout.
  3. 2026-05: Weiss replaced '60 Minutes' executive producer seeking a new editorial direction.
  4. 2026-09: '60 Minutes' season premiere ratings fell 20% compared to previous year.
  5. 2026-10-06: CBS News deletes controversial post on former Speaker Hastert's death amid backlash; reports reveal insider criticism of Weiss's management style.

Bari Weiss became the Editor-in-Chief of CBS News in October 2025, marking a shift in leadership at the network. Since then, CBS News has grappled with numerous challenges including a marked decline in its audience numbers and internal unrest. Most notably, the flagship program '60 Minutes' premiered its latest season in September 2026 to significantly lower ratings, approximately 7.9 million viewers, which represents a 20% decrease from the prior year's debut episode. Following episodes continued this downward trend with additional audience dropoffs. These metrics suggest a substantial impact on CBS's news viewership under Weiss's stewardship. [1][2]

Internal tensions have been a defining feature of CBS News under Weiss. In March 2026, the network announced the termination of its CBS News Radio division, resulting in numerous job cuts as part of an apparent restructuring effort. Concurrently, the unionized CBS News 24/7 staff organized a 24-hour walkout protesting unresolved contract negotiations, signaling strained labor relations. Weiss's editorial strategy further manifested in May 2026 when she replaced the executive producer of '60 Minutes' to implement a 'new approach' to the program, underscoring significant editorial shifts during her tenure. [3][4][5]

Despite the operational and reputational challenges, CBS's parent company Paramount publicly conveyed support for Weiss as of May 2026. Paramount CEO David Ellison welcomed her leadership and the acquisition of The Free Press, highlighting a positive outlook toward her vision for CBS News. However, recent developments in early October 2026 have intensified scrutiny around Weiss's management. CBS News deleted a controversial post regarding the death of former Speaker Dennis Hastert after omitting key abuse allegations, reflecting sensitivity to editorial decisions. Additionally, insider reports published on October 6 reveal internal criticisms of Weiss's leadership style, further complicating the network's current narrative. [6][7][8]

Industry observers note that these compounded issues, including the audience contraction, workforce dissatisfaction, and editorial controversies, have placed CBS News at a critical juncture. While leadership changes and strategic shifts aimed to revitalize the network, the recent data points to ongoing struggles. Paramount's concurrent planning efforts for other news entities, like CNN, raise questions about the long-term direction for CBS News and the role Weiss will continue to play going forward. The situation remains dynamic with uncertain outcomes as of early October 2026. [9]

Sources

  1. '60 Minutes' ratings tanked in the season debut under Bari Weiss - CNCB News
  2. CBS News Ratings Declined Following Leadership Changes | Wisevoter
  3. CBS News will end radio service, cut jobs as Bari Weiss seeks revival - The Washington Post
  4. CBS News 24/7 Staffers Walk Off Job in Bari Weiss’ First Union Fight
  5. Calling for 'new approach,' CBS News leader Bari Weiss replaces executive producer at '60 Minutes' - The Washington Post
  6. Bari Weiss named editor-in-chief of CBS News as Paramount acquires The Free Press - CBS News
  7. CBS Insider Reveals Reality of Working With Boss Bari Weiss
  8. CBS News Deletes Hastert Death Post After Omitting Abuse Allegations
  9. Paramount Apparently Took A Big Step Forward In Planning CNN's Future, But What About Bari Weiss?

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