Renowned journalist and writer Bari Weiss has left her position as a contributing opinion writer at The New York Times, citing a hostile work environment and criticism from colleagues for her conservative views. The development has sent shockwaves through the media industry and has sparked a crisis at CBS News' flagship program '60 Minutes', where a producer was involved in a heated exchange with Weiss.
Background on Bari Weiss' Departure
Weiss, a prominent voice on the American right, had been a subject of controversy at The New York Times due to her conservative leanings and opinions. Her departure follows a pattern of high-profile resignations from the newspaper, including that of former opinion editor James Bennet, who left in June 2020 after facing backlash over the publication of an op-ed by Senator Tom Cotton.
Weiss had been a vocal critic of cancel culture and had faced intense backlash from colleagues and readers for her views on topics such as free speech and the treatment of conservative writers at the newspaper.
CBS News' '60 Minutes' Crisis
The crisis at '60 Minutes' centers around a producer who was involved in a heated exchange with Weiss in 2020. The producer, who has not been named, allegedly clashed with Weiss over her views on the Israel-Palestine conflict, with the situation escalating into a heated argument.
The incident has sparked an investigation into the matter, with CBS News executives reportedly looking into the circumstances surrounding the exchange and the role of the producer.
Implications for Journalism and Free Speech
Weiss' resignation and the subsequent crisis at '60 Minutes' highlight the growing tensions between journalists and editors with differing views, particularly on issues like free speech and cancel culture.
The incident also raises questions about the role of media outlets in promoting diverse perspectives and the treatment of journalists who hold conservative views.
The fallout from Weiss' resignation and the '60 Minutes' crisis is likely to continue in the coming weeks, with both the media industry and the public watching closely to see how the situation unfolds.