Former New York Times Writer to Lead CBS Following Paramount Acquisition
Paramount has appointed ex- New York Times opinion writer Bari Weiss to oversee CBS News, marking the latest move by new owners to reorganize operations of one of America's leading news networks.
Paramount is also acquiring The Free Press, the digital outlet Weiss established after her disputed departure from the New York Times, in a arrangement said to be worth $150 million.
Ms Weiss, who has criticised broadcast media for becoming too partisan, said she was excited to shape CBS, which was acquired by David Ellison recently as part of a wider merger with Paramount.
History of the Appointee
Ms Weiss, who started her career at Jewish publications, is recognized for her advocacy of Israel and her questioning of "call-out culture".
Beginning as a email publication in 2021, The Free Press has gained 1.5 million followers, including in excess of 170,000 subscribing supporters.
It has drawn attention for reports such as a article questioning of NPR by one of its previous business editors, as well as an examination of some photographs used by traditional journalism to illustrate famine in Gaza.
Big name contributors include scholar Niall Ferguson and economist Tyler Cowen.
Future Direction
Mr Ellison said the hiring of Ms Weiss as editor-in-chief was part of a broader initiative to refresh coverage at Paramount and make CBS the "most reliable name in news".
"We think the bulk of the country desires news that is balanced and fact-based, and we want CBS to be their home," he said.
More Change at CBS
Details of the agreement were not disclosed. Paramount declined to comment reports that the company had paid $150 million in stock and cash.
Mr Ellison made his name as a Hollywood cinematic creator of blockbusters such as Top Gun Maverick, True Grit and World War Z.
He has said his aim is to produce journalism that is more balanced politically, and therefore has the potential to connect with all audiences.
His takeover of Paramount was cleared by oversight bodies this season, after the company consented to pay $16 million to conclude a legal action.
To win approval of the deal, Mr Ellison agreed to install an independent ombudsman at CBS to review allegations of prejudice and committed to authorities that coverage would reflect a range of perspectives.
He further said CBS's veteran political show "Face the Nation" would cease to air altered conversations.
Partnership Details
CBS News has a working relationship with an international broadcaster, meaning news content including video footage can be distributed.
In a message announcing the deal, Ms Weiss said she believed in the Paramount leader and his leadership team.
"They are doubling down because they have faith in news. Because they have courage. Because they love this country. And because they appreciate, as we do, that America cannot succeed without mutual understanding, common truths, and a common reality," she stated.
