CBS News Stars Face Ax as New Chief Pursues Anderson Cooper

BREAKING: CBS News is undergoing a radical transformation as newly appointed editor-in-chief Bari Weiss aims to revamp the network and potentially lure top talents like Anderson Cooper from CNN. Reports indicate that Weiss, who took the helm in October 2025, is set to make significant changes in a bid to restore viewer trust and boost ratings.

Weiss is reportedly focused on rebranding CBS as “radically centrist,” a move she believes will attract a broader audience. Sources reveal that she plans to overhaul the struggling CBS Evening News, which has already lost anchor John Dickerson who quit unexpectedly last month. Insiders suggest that co-anchor Maurice DuBois may also be next on the chopping block.

In her quest for a fresh face to lead the evening broadcast, Weiss is eyeing high-profile anchors. According to sources, she has considered both Cooper and Bret Baier from Fox News for the coveted anchor position. However, landing either star will prove challenging; both Cooper and Baier command impressive salaries—Cooper earning a staggering $18 million annually and Baier making $14 million.

Earlier attempts by CBS to recruit Cooper were unsuccessful, with sources stating he preferred his current role on 60 Minutes. Meanwhile, Baier recently extended his contract with Fox, committing to the network through 2028, which complicates any potential switch to CBS.

The shake-up has sparked rumors about other CBS stars, particularly Gayle King, who has been the subject of speculation regarding her future. King addressed these rumors, asserting that she is “doing a great job” and enjoys her role, emphasizing that any claims of impending layoffs are “news to her.”

Bari Weiss, known for her outspoken views against what she calls “liberal excesses,” previously left her position at The New York Times over issues of free speech and staff bullying. She founded The Free Press, which CBS’s parent company Paramount acquired for a hefty $150 million. Weiss’s reputation as a media visionary adds a layer of intrigue to CBS’s evolving landscape.

As Weiss implements her strategic vision, the fate of CBS News remains uncertain. Viewers and industry insiders alike will be watching closely to see how these developments unfold and what they mean for the future of the Tiffany Network.

Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.