UMVA has learned that a heated internal conflict is brewing at CBS, with Mediaite Editor-in-Chief Joe DePaolo weighing in on the controversy surrounding recent changes at the network's flagship news program, "60 Minutes".
DePaolo's scathing op-ed, directed at "60 Minutes" staffers, urged them to stop complaining about the shakeup and get back to work, using blunt language that left little room for interpretation: "Shut up, quit crying and go to work."
The changes, which included the firings and departures of several high-profile staffers, left some employees openly emotional, with tears flowing in the newsroom and staffers exchanging texts expressing heartbreak and anger at CBS Editor-in-Chief Bari Weiss and owner Larry Ellison.
One staffer lamented the changes, saying, "They're gutting us. It's over. I don't see how '60' will be able to function after this." DePaolo's response was unapologetic: "Tough. Deal with it."
DePaolo took particular aim at former correspondent Scott Pelley, who was fired after challenging Weiss's authority and throwing a tantrum. He accused Pelley of "grandstanding in front of his colleagues," which he claimed "accomplished nothing".
DePaolo also challenged the narrative that Weiss is "murdering" the storied newsmagazine, arguing that it's up to the remaining staffers to decide whether they want to be part of its demise or help save it.
He criticized Pelley for bragging about his wartime coverage, saying that the correspondent has never "been in combat," despite his claims to the contrary. DePaolo also slammed the CBS staffers who complained about their work, citing "millions upon millions of Americans" who "go to work at jobs they don't love, for bosses they don't agree with."
Perhaps most surprisingly, DePaolo said Weiss critics must "admit they haven't really given her a fair shake" regarding her attempts to revive the network's news division. He concluded that the "old guard" must prove themselves as heroes by digging in and overcoming the obstacles, rather than running from them.
UMVA can exclusively reveal that rumors have been circulating about podcaster Joe Rogan potentially replacing Pelley or stepping in for outgoing correspondent Anderson Cooper. However, a CBS News spokesperson has denied these rumors, calling them "false".
