CBS News Editor-in-Chief Bari Weiss reportedly left the “60 Minutes” team speechless during a recent meeting when she asked a question few in the room expected: “Why does the country think you’re biased?”
According to The New York Times, the exchange happened Tuesday at CBS headquarters in Midtown Manhattan. Weiss, who recently took over as editor-in-chief, posed the question to senior producers ahead of an upcoming episode of the long-running news show.
Her inquiry, described by insiders as “provocative,” was met with “stunned awkwardness,” as staffers were reportedly taken aback. Many at “60 Minutes” view their reporting as objective and have long pushed back against criticism—particularly from President Donald Trump and his supporters—that the program leans left.
Since stepping into her role, Weiss has been unusually hands-on, personally helping to secure big-name guests like former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and Middle East peace deal negotiators Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff.
Weiss is also reportedly trying to stop internal leaks about her private meetings, after several memos and details have already surfaced in the press.
Despite grumbling from some liberal journalists, others at CBS have expressed cautious optimism about her leadership. According to the report, some believe Weiss’s direct, competitive style could inject much-needed energy into a network that’s cycled through five presidents in as many years. “I love to win,” Weiss told producers during her first week on the job.
The shake-up comes as CBS continues to deal with fallout from past controversies, including a 2024 lawsuit from former President Trump over a “60 Minutes” segment featuring then–Vice President Kamala Harris. CBS and parent company Paramount Global ultimately settled the case for $16 million in July.