Ex- New York Times Journalist to Lead CBS Post Paramount Deal
The media conglomerate has named former New York Times opinion writer Bari Weiss to oversee CBS News, signaling the most recent initiative by new owners to reorganize activities of a major US news outlets.
The company is additionally purchasing The Free Press, the digital outlet Weiss founded after her contentious exit from the New York Times, in a agreement said to be worth $150 million.
Ms Weiss, who has challenged television news for becoming overly political, said she was eager to influence CBS, which was acquired by David Ellison in recent months as part of a larger merger with Paramount.
History of the Appointee
Ms Weiss, who started her career at Jewish media organizations, is recognized for her backing of Israel and her criticism of "cancel culture".
Beginning as a digital bulletin in 2021, The Free Press has gained 1.5 million readers, including over 170,000 subscribing supporters.
It has drawn attention for articles such as a article critical of NPR by one of its ex- business editors, as well as an analysis of some images used by mainstream news outlets to illustrate famine in Gaza.
Big name contributors include scholar Niall Ferguson and economist Tyler Cowen.
Strategic Plans
Mr Ellison said the hiring of Ms Weiss as editor-in-chief was part of a bigger initiative to modernize content at Paramount and make CBS the "most-trusted name in news".
"We think the greater part of the country desires news that is even-handed and fact-based, and we want CBS to be their source," he said.
Additional Shifts at CBS
Details of the agreement were not revealed. Paramount declined to comment reports that the firm had paid $150 million in shares and money.
Mr Ellison built his career as a Hollywood cinematic creator of hit movies such as Top Gun Maverick, True Grit and World War Z.
He has said his aim is to produce journalism that is less partisan, and therefore has the potential to engage all audiences.
His acquisition of Paramount was approved by regulators this recent period, after the company agreed to pay $16 million to settle a court case.
To win approval of the acquisition, Mr Ellison pledged to install an external reviewer at CBS to examine allegations of partiality and promised to oversight bodies that programming would include a variety of opinions.
He further said CBS's veteran political show "Face the Nation" would discontinue air modified discussions.
Collaboration Information
CBS News has a partnership agreement with an international broadcaster, meaning news content including visual material can be shared.
In a note announcing the agreement, Ms Weiss said she trusted in the Paramount boss and his management group.
"They are making significant investments because they have faith in news. Because they have conviction. Because they value this country. And because they recognize, as we do, that America cannot thrive without shared information, common truths, and a common reality," she wrote.
