CBS News Ratings Plunge as Insider Claims Bari Weiss ‘Doesn’t Listen to Anyone’

Inside CBS News turmoil: Bari Weiss faces backlash as ratings drop and staff claims she ignores input.

October 6, 2026 One Min Read

POLICY WIRE — New York, United States — A senior insider at CBS News has accused Editor-in-Chief Bari Weiss of refusing to listen to others, as the network continues to face declining viewership across its flagship programs.

Weiss, who took over the newsroom in October under Paramount CEO David Ellison, has faced criticism for a series of editorial choices, including a major restructuring of 60 Minutes. An unnamed source told Page Six that Weiss does not engage with opposing views, claiming she dismisses dissent without consideration.

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One notable controversy involved the delayed airing of a 60 Minutes segment on Venezuelan migrants sent to a controversial El Salvadoran prison. In May, a wave of departures occurred, including the firing of 60 Minutes Executive Producer Tanya Simon and veteran correspondent Scott Pelley, who alleged that Weiss was undermining the program’s legacy. Meanwhile, CBS Evening News, led by Tony Dokoupil, saw a 3% drop in viewership this season, according to Nielsen data.

Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)

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