Bari Weiss Pursues Chris Cuomo Amid CBS News Turmoil
Bari Weiss, the new head of CBS News, is reportedly in active discussions with former CNN anchor Chris Cuomo to bring him to the network. According to Status, Weiss has described Cuomo as a 'skilled broadcaster' and the two have shared meals and exchanged text messages. This recruitment effort occurs as Weiss reshapes CBS News following a controversial merger with David Ellison’s company, a move that has triggered a staff exodus from 60 Minutes and low ratings for CBS Evening News. However, Cuomo faces a significant obstacle: he signed a multi-year contract extension with NewsNation in December 2024, where he currently hosts a nightly show and a SiriusXM morning program. Weiss is also reportedly eyeing 60 Minutes contributor Norah O’Donnell for a potential move to CBS Mornings.
Key points
- Bari Weiss, 42, took over CBS News after David Ellison, son of Trump megadonor Larry Ellison, acquired the parent company in a merger last October.
- Status reports that Weiss is 'enraptured' by Chris Cuomo, 56, and is actively trying to lure him away from NewsNation.
- Cuomo was fired from CNN in December 2021 over allegations he helped his brother, former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, strategize on sexual harassment claims; Andrew Cuomo has denied wrongdoing.
- Cuomo signed a multi-year contract extension with NewsNation in December 2024, stating he would stay because the network allows him to 'expose the game' rather than 'play' it.
- CBS Evening News anchor Tony Dokoupil, a Weiss hire, continues to struggle with ratings below the 4-million-viewer benchmark required for advertisers.
- 60 Minutes has experienced a staff exodus, with former employees citing clashes over editorial direction and political interference under Weiss’s leadership.
Background
This recruitment drive follows a period of significant instability at CBS News. Recent archive coverage highlights that veteran correspondent Bill Whitaker questioned the MAGA-driven overhaul, while former anchor Katie Couric called the leadership changes a 'total embarrassment.' Additionally, former 60 Minutes correspondent Cecilia Vega alleged that Weiss’s team attempted to meddle with her reporting. Despite these departures, Weiss has added new contributors, including The New Yorker writer Ariel Levy, ahead of the Season 59 premiere in September.
Why it matters
The potential hiring of Chris Cuomo signals a strategic shift for CBS News under Bari Weiss, aiming to inject high-profile talent into a network facing declining ratings and internal dissent. However, Cuomo’s existing contract with NewsNation creates a financial and logistical barrier, highlighting the challenges Weiss faces in rebuilding the network’s brand after a controversial ownership change.
What to watch
CBS and representatives for Chris Cuomo have been contacted for comment. The outcome of these discussions will depend on whether Weiss can outbid NewsNation’s multi-year contract or if Cuomo will prioritize the new role at CBS. Weiss may also proceed with recruiting Norah O’Donnell for CBS Mornings if the Cuomo talks stall.
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