‘Not puff pieces and kid gloves’: why Bari Weiss is hiring British journalists at CBS News
Not puff pieces and kid gloves – Bari Weiss, a prominent figure in the media landscape, has become a focal point for debates on journalistic direction since she publicly departed from the New York Times six years ago. Her tenure as editor-in-chief of CBS News has been marked by a consistent effort to challenge the prevailing “woke” consensus in American media, which she views as excessively progressive. As she navigates both internal and external resistance to her leadership, Weiss has increasingly looked to the British media sphere for new perspectives, aiming to infuse her network with diverse viewpoints that contrast with the perceived uniformity of Columbia Journalism School’s approach.
Earlier this month, the Guardian reported that Weiss’s CBS News team had enlisted Trevor Phillips, a respected British broadcaster with a history of public influence, as a senior global affairs correspondent. Phillips, known for his work with Sky News, has held significant roles in shaping political discourse in the UK. His appointment was soon followed by the hiring of Josh Boswell, an investigative reporter from the Daily Mail, further reinforcing the strategy of bringing in international talent. These moves have sparked discussion about the broader implications for CBS News’ editorial tone and its alignment with British media values.
Another notable addition to Weiss’s roster is Douglas Murray, a British conservative writer who contributes a regular weekly column to the Free Press. This outlet, established after Weiss left the New York Times, has become a platform for her ideological vision. Murray’s inclusion underscores the network’s emphasis on challenging progressive narratives, particularly on issues like Israel and transgender rights. Her recruitment efforts have also extended to Justin Webb, the BBC’s Today show presenter, though their collaboration has not yet resulted in a formal position at CBS News.
Building a Cross-Channel Network
Whispers suggest that CBS News executives have been actively reaching out to other influential British journalists, creating a loose but deliberate network of like-minded thinkers. A spokesperson for CBS News, when asked about the hiring strategy, offered no direct comments. However, those close to Weiss emphasize that this isn’t a random choice. “She’s been looking at various Brits that might add a bit of opinion/attitude diversity to US media, instead of the dominant, predictable Columbia Journalism School uniformity,” remarked Andrew Neil, a former editor of Rupert Murdoch’s Sunday Times, who supported Phillips’ hiring.
Her senior team, including Charles Forelle, the managing editor of CBS News, has played a key role in facilitating these connections. Forelle, with prior experience in the UK media scene, is believed to have helped identify candidates who align with Weiss’s vision. A CBS source described the rationale behind the hires: “They do the kind of things that Bari is looking for; it’s not puff pieces and kid gloves.” This phrase highlights her preference for journalists who are unafraid to challenge conventional narratives, a trait she associates with British media’s more robust debate culture.
According to insiders, Weiss has cultivated a network of British thinkers who share her skepticism toward an overly liberal consensus. This includes figures such as Oliver Wiseman, the deputy editor of the Free Press and a former contributor to the Spectator, a conservative British magazine. The Free Press, launched as a counter to progressive media, has also published a podcast titled The Witch Trials of JK Rowling, which gained traction in 2023. The podcast’s success further illustrates the influence of British voices in shaping American media discourse.
Legacy of UK Media Influence
Weiss’ ties to the UK media world are not new. Last summer, she hosted a gathering at the Groucho Club in London’s West End, a well-known hub for journalists and media professionals. The event, described as a meeting of “part of the heterodox world,” featured individuals who challenge the dominant woke consensus. Attendees noted her ability to connect with diverse figures, a skill honed through years of working in the UK.
“She has always been great at having contacts,” said one guest, reflecting on her reputation as a connector. “In the US, the political divides between left and right are very black and white in the media. Here, things are a bit more grey, as is the case with Trevor and Justin.” This observation captures the nuanced approach Weiss has taken in seeking British journalists, who often operate in a more middle-ground ideological space compared to their American counterparts.
The hires also reflect a strategic consideration: the relative cost-effectiveness of British journalists. Sources noted that this factor has played a role in her decisions, particularly in an era of rising expenses in the US media industry. Phillips, for instance, had previously been suspended from the Labour party over allegations of Islamophobia, a stance that resonated with Weiss’ critique of groupthink. Despite the controversy, he was later readmitted, a testament to his ability to maintain credibility while pushing boundaries.
Webb, meanwhile, remains bound by the BBC’s impartiality rules, which require a balanced approach to reporting. Yet, his column for Rupert Murdoch’s Times newspaper demonstrates his willingness to engage in more opinionated commentary outside the BBC’s constraints. This dual role has positioned him as a bridge between British and American media, offering insights into how perspectives can shift across different journalistic cultures.
Her network extends beyond the media world to include political figures such as Michael Gove, a former Conservative cabinet minister and current editor of the Spectator. Gove, along with the current Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch, is said to be among Weiss’ acquaintances. The group also includes Konstantin Kisin, a libertarian podcaster who critiqued Rishi Sunak’s British identity based on his “brown Hindu” heritage. These connections highlight Weiss’ broader aim of creating a coalition of thinkers who align with her vision of media reform.
As the Free Press continues to gain momentum, Weiss’ influence in shaping its editorial direction remains significant. Her recruitment of British journalists is seen as both a symbolic and practical move, reinforcing the idea that American media can benefit from the diverse perspectives and critical approaches found in the UK. Whether these hires mark a new era of cross-border collaboration or signal a deeper ideological shift remains a topic of ongoing debate. For now, the focus is on how these individuals contribute to the evolving landscape of newsroom diversity and ideological balance.
