Bari Weiss’s possible CNN takeover has respected journalists heading for the exits

The possibility of Bari Weiss leading CNN’s newsroom has journalists at the 24-hour news pioneer heading for the exits.According to a new report in Variety, there is widespread speculation at the network that Weiss will oversee news operations at CNN following a likely merger of parent company Warner Bros. Discovery with Paramount Skydance, which owns CBS. Specifically, the outlet reports that Weiss will be partnered with another executive, potentially current CNN news chief Mark Thompson, to oversee news operations. But that other manager would be subordinate to the current CBS leader.Weiss, a center-right but out queer journalist, took over as editor-in-chief of CBS News in October, but her tenure has been plagued by allegations of editorial interference. One of the most high-profile consequences of that has been an exodus of well-known journalists, including Anderson Cooper, an out journalist with his own show on CNN. Cooper was a regular contributor on 60 Minutes.Related: Inside the growing backlash to Bari Weiss’s ’60 Minutes’ takeover at CBS News Editor-in-chief of CBS News Bari Weiss attends the Allen & Company Sun Valley Conference at the Sun Valley Lodge on July 8, 2026, in Sun Valley, Idaho. Kevin Dietsch/Getty ImagesThe turmoil has already reached one of CBS News’ most recognizable names. As The Advocate reported, CBS fired longtime 60 Minutes correspondent Scott Pelley on June 2 after he reportedly accused Weiss of “murdering” the program during a staff meeting and questioned the qualifications of newly installed executive producer Nick Bilton. Pelley, who spent more than three decades at CBS News, reportedly received a standing ovation from staff. He was gone 24 hours later.There may be similar exits at CNN if Weiss indeed takes the reins at the cable giant. Legal affairs correspondent Paula Reid has already told executives she intends to leave the network following the merger; she told Variety last month. The new report from the industry