Shari Redstone, formerly a controlling shareholder of Paramount Global, stated Thursday at an Axios event that she approves of Bari Weiss taking editorial control of CBS News. Redstone described Weiss as a "good voice" and indicated that TV news requires "more balanced" and "fact-based" reporting, where audiences are trusted "to hear different points of view." Bari Weiss, who leads The Free Press, an online news publication, is reportedly in talks to sell her platform to Paramount Skydance. This deal is said to include Weiss assuming a senior editorial role overseeing coverage at CBS News. Paramount Skydance boss David Ellison is reportedly preparing a bid, potentially backed by Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison, to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery, the parent company of CNN. This has led to speculation that Weiss could also be given editorial control over CNN. Staffers at CBS News and CNN have expressed apprehension about Weiss's potential appointment. The Status newsletter cited nearly a dozen employees, describing the atmosphere as "charged with apprehension" and "fearful" of significant changes in editorial direction, particularly concerning coverage of sensitive topics like Israel and Gaza, and Trump coverage. Some employees reportedly discussed walkouts or resignations. CNN chief Mark Thompson has urged employees to maintain "a sense of proportion" amidst ownership speculation. Redstone has publicly commented on the need for media outlets to separate facts from opinion. She expressed frustration with a "left-leaning editorial tilt" at CBS News in private conversations and reportedly grew frustrated with the network's coverage of Middle East events. Weiss resigned from the New York Times in 2020, citing a hostile work environment related to her "centrist and anti-woke views." She is known for her support of Israel. Redstone also defended the cancellation of "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert," attributing the decision to its lack of financial viability. This cancellation occurred months before its announcement. Paramount Global previously settled a lawsuit by former President Trump against CBS News regarding a "60 Minutes" interview. Redstone stated that such decisions are based on "dollars and cents." The article frequently relies on anonymous sources to convey staff reactions and Redstone's private frustrations. The specific reasons for staff "apoplexy" or "fear" beyond general concerns about "sensitive topics" or "Trump coverage" are not detailed. Similarly, the specific instances or nature of CBS News's "left-leaning editorial tilt" that frustrated Redstone are not elaborated upon. These missing details prevent a full understanding of the underlying issues.