As CBS navigates a wave of staff reductions, an unexpected figure is sparking discussions within the company.

Sources from Page Six report that while CBS employees witness their colleagues clearing out their workspaces, they are also becoming aware of the security expenses for Bari Weiss, the new head of CBS News. The cost of her security, they say, reaches five figures each day. Insiders reveal that Weiss, known for founding the Free Press, is constantly accompanied by an entourage of eight bodyguards and travels in a convoy of SUVs reminiscent of the transportation arrangements for top government officials.

Reportedly, the daily expenditure for the “Bari Barrier” amounts to $10,000. This substantial cost is notable, especially considering it coincides with the network’s substantial layoffs affecting 100 employees across all levels, from entry roles to prominent figures like Lisa Ling. Ling, a former host on “The View,” recently disclosed her dismissal as a contributor, indicating the widespread impact of the cuts.

Speculation is also swirling around Gayle King, CBS’s highest-paid on-air talent, potentially facing an exit from “CBS This Morning.” However, King has stated that the network has expressed a desire to retain her.

In her initial weeks as leader, Weiss has already proven to be a polarizing figure within the network.

The one-time New York Times opinion writer took over the news division — once home to Walter Cronkite, Dan Rather and Edward R. Murrow, among other news greats — in early October after CBS’s parent company Paramount bought her Substack newsletter, the Free Press, and appointed her to the position, despite her having essentially no experience in news. Paramount recently completed its $8 billion merger with Skydance.

Weiss has been a staunch Zionist, which one presumes — is the reason for the heavy security, especially after the assassination of fellow media personality Charlie Kirk.