Exclusive | Bari Weiss caught in dysfunctional ‘Cold War’ power struggle with CBS News president: ‘Two feuding parents’
CBS News is embroiled in a covert battle between editor‑in‑chief Bari Weiss and president Tom Cibrowski, each pushing different editorial visions. Staff feel trapped between the two leaders, while ratings for flagship shows continue to decline, prompting speculation about possible leadership change…
In the fall, CBS News is caught in a quiet but fierce power struggle between its newly appointed editor‑in‑chief, Bari Weiss, and the network’s president, Tom Cibrowski. The dispute, described by insiders as a “Cold War,” has left reporters and producers feeling like they are stuck between two feuding parents, each with a different view of what the network should be.
Who Are the Players?
Bari Weiss, 42, joined CBS News last October after a career as an opinion writer. She reports directly to David Ellison, CEO of Paramount Skydance, and has been tasked with steering the network toward a more balanced, hard‑news focus. Weiss’s agenda includes reviving the legacy of Edward R. Murrow and Walter Cronkite and expanding investigative and enterprise reporting.
Tom Cibrowski, 58, is a veteran of ABC News who spent years producing “Good Morning America” and “World News Tonight.” He oversees CBS’s television operations and reports to CBS CEO George Cheeks. Cibrowski’s style leans toward lighter, feel‑good content aimed at a broad, middle‑American audience, with a heavy emphasis on weather segments and viral animal stories.
The Clash of Editorial Visions
Weiss’s push for in‑depth journalism clashes with Cibrowski’s preference for “news you can use” segments that keep viewers glued to the screen. Staff members have reported a daily sense of confusion, as directives from the two leaders sometimes conflict. One senior producer noted that the newsroom feels like a battlefield where “we just want one side to win so we can do our jobs.”
Despite the tension, insiders say the conflict is not personal. “Tom likes Bari,” a close source told The Post. “He thinks she’s smart and has good ideas.” The two executives have been seen working together on occasion, but their differing priorities have created a rift that threatens to derail the network’s flagship programs.
Ratings Pressure and Possible Fallout
The stakes are high. CBS’s marquee shows—“60 Minutes,” “CBS Mornings,” and “CBS Evening News”—have slipped into last place in the ratings race. The upcoming season of “60 Minutes,” which debuted with a high‑profile interview on Sunday, could be the test that determines whether Weiss stays on the job. Meanwhile, Cibrowski faces scrutiny over the performance of “CBS Mornings,” which recently added co‑host Norah O’Donnell to a lineup that also includes Gayle King and Nate Burleson.
Sources suggest that if ratings fail to improve, the network may look to replace one of the two leaders. Some staffers speculate that Weiss might be “given enough rope to hang himself” by Cibrowski, while others believe the opposite could happen. Either way, the outcome will hinge on the network’s ability to turn around its declining viewership.
Internal Dynamics and Leadership Structure
The conflict is amplified by CBS’s uneven leadership hierarchy. Weiss oversees editorial operations and reports to Ellison, while Cibrowski runs TV operations and reports to Cheeks, who in turn reports to Ellison. Each executive has built a loyal inner circle, complete with separate PR teams and distinct office spaces in the Midtown Broadcast Center.
Critics point to a lack of managerial discipline on Weiss’s side, noting that she often moves on to new projects before fully following up on earlier initiatives. In contrast, Cibrowski’s team has been praised for its swift execution of lighter content, though some argue that this approach dilutes the network’s journalistic credibility.
What Comes Next?
As the fall season unfolds, CBS will be watching the performance of “60 Minutes” and the new “CBS Mornings” lineup closely. The network’s leadership may need to make tough decisions to address the ratings slump and restore confidence among staff and viewers alike. Until then, the newsroom remains a battleground where two leaders with divergent philosophies vie for control.
Why it matters
The clash between Weiss and Cibrowski threatens to undermine CBS News’ credibility and could reshape the network’s editorial direction, impacting viewers, reporters, and the broader media landscape.
Key points
- Weiss and Cibrowski are locked in a covert power struggle
- Staff feel trapped between two conflicting editorial visions
- Ratings for flagship shows are declining, raising stakes
- Leadership structure amplifies the conflict
- Outcome may hinge on the performance of new “60 Minutes” season
Frequently asked questions
Who is Bari Weiss?
Bari Weiss is the editor‑in‑chief of CBS News, appointed in October 2023 to steer the network toward a more balanced, hard‑news focus.
What is Tom Cibrowski’s role?
Tom Cibrowski is the president of CBS News, overseeing television operations and focusing on lighter, audience‑friendly content.
How are ratings affecting the leadership?
The decline in ratings for flagship shows like “60 Minutes” and “CBS Mornings” is prompting speculation that one of the two leaders may be replaced.
