Former New York Times Columnist to Lead CBS Following Paramount Acquisition
Paramount has selected former New York Times columnist Bari Weiss to direct CBS News, representing the most recent step by current leadership to reorganize activities of one of America's leading news organisations.
Paramount is additionally purchasing The Free Press, the web-based platform Weiss started after her contentious separation from the New York Times, in a agreement estimated to be worth $150 million.
Ms Weiss, who has criticised broadcast media for becoming excessively biased, said she was enthusiastic to influence CBS, which was purchased by David Ellison recently as part of a wider merger with Paramount.
History of the Appointee
Ms Weiss, who began her professional journey at Jewish media organizations, is known for her backing of Israel and her skepticism of "call-out culture".
From its inception as a digital bulletin in 2021, The Free Press has gained 1.5 million subscribers, including more than 170,000 paying members.
It has drawn attention for reports such as a piece skeptical of NPR by one of its ex- business editors, as well as an examination of some images used by traditional journalism to illustrate famine in Gaza.
Big name writers include historian Niall Ferguson and economic thinker Tyler Cowen.
Vision for CBS
Mr Ellison said the selection of Ms Weiss as chief editor was part of a bigger initiative to modernize coverage at Paramount and make CBS the "most credible name in news".
"We are convinced the greater part of the country longs for news that is fair and accurate, and we want CBS to be their destination," he said.
Additional Shifts at CBS
Specifics of the agreement were not disclosed. Paramount refused to discuss reports that the company had paid $150 million in stock and cash.
Mr Ellison established his reputation as a Hollywood film producer of blockbusters such as Top Gun Maverick, True Grit and World War Z.
He has said his goal is to produce journalism that is more balanced politically, and therefore has the potential to connect with all audiences.
His purchase of Paramount was approved by oversight bodies this season, after the company consented to pay $16 million to conclude a legal action.
To secure clearance of the deal, Mr Ellison pledged to create an independent ombudsman at CBS to assess concerns of bias and vowed to oversight bodies that coverage would showcase a range of opinions.
He further said CBS's veteran political show "Face the Nation" would discontinue air altered conversations.
Collaboration Information
CBS News has a collaborative arrangement with a global news organization, meaning news content including recorded segments can be distributed.
In a note announcing the deal, Ms Weiss said she had faith in the Paramount leader and his executive staff.
"They are doubling down because they believe in news. Because they have bravery. Because they love this country. And because they understand, as we do, that America cannot succeed without mutual understanding, universal realities, and a unified worldview," she commented.
