CBS staff criticise Tony Dokoupil and Bari Weiss after debut

Independent.co reports that CBS Evening News anchor Tony Dokoupil and editor-in-chief Bari Weiss have been criticised by network staff and media observers following what was described as an "embarrassing" debut and a perceived "MAGA" pivot.

Critics pointed to a number of elements from the early broadcasts: Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth reportedly said he agreed to his "mainstream press interview" with Dokoupil at Weiss's request, implying CBS "did something right"; Dokoupil drew flak for saying he would be "more accountable" than Walter Cronkite, criticising "legacy media" and introducing "5 simple values" including "We love America." Further segments described in the coverage — an "unchallenging" interview with Hegseth, a "friendly" piece on DHS secretary Kristi Noem, a brief "both-sides" mention of the January 6 anniversary and a "bon bon" segment praising Marco Rubio — intensified internal outrage.

Critics also allege Weiss's editorial decisions, including yanking a 60 Minutes segment on a Venezuelan prison, are part of the Ellisons' plan to push CBS News in a "MAGA-friendly" direction to secure the president's approval for a Warner Bros. Discovery takeover, and internal discontent at the network reportedly continues.

Key Topics

Politics, Tony Dokoupil, Bari Weiss, Maga, Ellisons, Warner Bros. Discovery