By Ahmed Abdelsalam
Former 60 Minutes anchor Scott Pelley alleged Wednesday that CBS News, under editor-in-chief Bari Weiss, pressured journalists to slant coverage in favor of the Trump administration. Speaking at a panel on truth and corporate power in journalism hosted by Speak Up for Justice, Pelley said there was "an imperative to move our coverage in the direction of the president to put a thumb on the scale."
Pressure to 'put thumb on the scale'
Pelley, who spent nearly 40 years at CBS News and almost 30 at 60 Minutes, said he had never seen such corporate influence in the news division. He described an explicit directive to report stories with a particular political bent, which the staff resisted. That resistance, he said, led to the sudden gutting of 60 Minutes last year, when the program was dismantled in one morning without warning or explanation.
Firing and internal turmoil
Pelley was fired in early June after he reportedly accused Weiss of destroying the program at a heated staff meeting. According to an audio recording obtained by The New York Times, he said Weiss "is murdering 60 Minutes" and "was brought in to kill it." Weiss, founder of the digital outlet The Free Press, joined CBS News a year ago following Skydance's acquisition of Paramount.
Weiss's tenure and ratings decline
Since Weiss took the helm, her editorial decisions have drawn intense scrutiny, with critics accusing her of shaping coverage to favor the Trump administration. Weiss has pushed back, telling The Wall Street Journal in June that what critics call editorial interference is simply the job description of an editor-in-chief. However, insiders say ratings have plummeted during her tenure and that no one can speak against her without repercussions.
Divergent views on Weiss's leadership
Anonymous sources quoted by Page Six offered contrasting assessments. One said Weiss "doesn't hear anybody" and dismisses dissent, while another described her as a great listener who brings value and incorporates many ideas into the organization's work. CBS News has been contacted for comment.
