CBS News faces backlash over controversial new contributor lineup under Editor Bari Weiss

NEW YORK — CBS News Editor-in-Chief Bari Weiss announced Tuesday the hiring of 19 new paid contributors, including podcasters, influencers, and conservative writers.

The move is part of an initiative to revitalize the network and ensure it remains "fit for purpose in the 21st century," according to Weiss.

The expansion follows the takeover of CBS by David Ellison, a billionaire ally of Donald Trump. The acquisition has sparked concerns that the news organization may shift its editorial stance to favor the administration.

The roster of new contributors features several high-profile and controversial figures. Among them are Elliot Ackerman, a former Marine who has referred to Trump as a "combat leader," and Niall Ferguson, a conservative historian known for his critiques of "woke" ideology.

Also joining the network are Coleman Hughes, a commentator who opposes diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, and Reihan Salam, president of the conservative Manhattan Institute.

The network also added several figures from the health and science sectors, including cosmologist Janna Levin and physicians Peter Attia, Andrew Huberman, and Mark Hyman. Hyman has previously drawn attention for his skeptical views on vaccines.

The recent overhaul of the CBS News editorial roster under Bari Weiss signals more than a routine leadership change; it represents a calculated strategic pivot designed to recapture audiences who have migrated toward conservative outlets and independent media platforms. By recruiting vocal critics of "woke" ideology, such as Niall Ferguson and Coleman Hughes, CBS is explicitly positioning itself as a counterweight to perceived institutional bias within the mainstream media landscape.

The network’s strategy is particularly notable for its fusion of traditional political commentary with the burgeoning "wellness and longevity" sector. In a move clearly modeled after the success of the podcasting ecosystem, CBS has tapped influencers like Andrew Huberman and Peter Attia to engage a younger demographic—a cohort often skeptical of legacy news but deeply trusting of online subject-matter experts. By onboarding figures who command millions of existing followers, CBS is effectively pursuing an "audience acquisition" model, bypassing the slow process of cultivating homegrown talent in favor of turnkey digital reach.

However, the elevation of controversial figures like Mark Hyman, whose skepticism regarding vaccines has drawn scrutiny, poses a significant editorial risk. Integrating such voices into a major news platform threatens to dissolve the boundaries between rigorous reporting and misinformation. Ultimately, this shift—occurring under the stewardship of ownership aligned with the Trump administration—suggests a move toward a more government-friendly platform, a transition that could fundamentally alter the equilibrium of the American media landscape.

While the recent changes at CBS News may not have a direct bearing on the nail salon industry or the flow of remittances, they do significantly impact the media landscape for Vietnamese Americans. Given the community’s diverse political spectrum—stretching from staunchly conservative to more progressive views—a major network’s shift in direction could further fragment the news sources people trust. Ultimately, this reflects the broader polarization currently dividing American society.