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2h ago

John Oliver Slams Bari Weiss Appointment, Intensifying Scrutiny of CBS News Shake-Up

Weiss’s first week following Paramount Skydance’s $150 million Free Press deal has prompted union caution, raising fresh questions about CBS News’ independence.

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In this undated photo released by Paramount, one of the The Free Press’s co-founders Bari Weiss poses for a portrait. (Daniel Paik via AP)
John Oliver.

Overview

  • On HBO’s Last Week Tonight, John Oliver criticized Weiss’s lack of TV-news management experience and highlighted disputed Free Press stories, calling her track record irresponsible and misleading.
  • Two unions at CBS advised members not to respond to a Weiss email seeking details about their roles, signaling rank-and-file unease during her initial outreach, Semafor reported.
  • Weisshas met with top producers and pursued high-profile bookings, securing Hillary Clinton and Condoleezza Rice while planned appearances by Mike Pompeo and Antony Blinken fell through.
  • Paramount Skydance confirmed it acquired The Free Press for about $150 million and said Weiss will lead both The Free Press and CBS News with a direct reporting line to CEO David Ellison.
  • Observers flagged owner influence risks, citing CBS’s new ombudsman Kenneth Weinstein, a prior $16 million Trump settlement, and President Trump’s public praise that CBS has “great potential” under the Ellisons.