Key facts
- Paramount Skydance is seeking a business executive to partner with CBS News editor-in-chief Bari Weiss.
- The potential business counterpart would manage business operations across CBS News and CNN if Paramount acquires Warner Bros Discovery.
- The search follows recent staff departures and reshaping efforts at CBS News under Weiss.
- Several high-profile media executives are reportedly being considered for the business role.
Paramount Skydance is reportedly looking to hire a business executive to work alongside Bari Weiss, the editor-in-chief of CBS News. This search, detailed in an Axios report citing sources, suggests a potential restructuring or expansion of CBS News' business operations. If Paramount's acquisition of Warner Bros Discovery is completed, this new executive would manage business operations for both CBS News and CNN, while Weiss would oversee editorial content for both networks.
The move comes amid ongoing changes at CBS News, including recent departures from "60 Minutes" due to internal clashes and the termination of correspondent Scott Pelley's contract. Since taking over as editor-in-chief in October, Weiss has been actively reshaping the newsroom, incorporating commentators and aiming to infuse a "streaming mentality" into the network's approach.
Several prominent media figures are reportedly being considered for the business role, including Cesar Conde, Mark Thompson, Noah Oppenheim, Ben Sherwood, and David Rhodes. Despite earlier reports about executives potentially limiting Weiss's influence over linear coverage, her position is said to be secure. However, direct conversations between Paramount and Warner Bros executives are currently restricted due to regulatory approval processes for the merger. Wendy McMahon, the former president and CEO of CBS News, departed in May 2025, citing differing views on the company's future direction.