Ex- New York Times Writer to Lead CBS After Paramount Deal
Paramount has named ex- NYT columnist Bari Weiss to oversee CBS News, signaling the newest step by new owners to restructure activities of a major US news organisations.
The company is additionally purchasing The Free Press, the digital outlet Weiss started after her acrimonious departure from the New York Times, in a agreement reported to be worth $150 million.
Ms Weiss, who has challenged television news for becoming too partisan, said she was excited to shape CBS, which was acquired by David Ellison recently as part of a larger merger with Paramount.
History of the New Leader
Ms Weiss, who began her professional journey at Jewish media organizations, is noted for her backing of Israel and her criticism of "call-out culture".
From its inception as a digital bulletin in 2021, The Free Press has attracted 1.5 million subscribers, including more than 170,000 paid subscribers.
It has received recognition for coverage such as a piece skeptical of NPR by one of its ex- business editors, as well as an examination of some photographs used by mainstream news outlets to showcase famine in Gaza.
Prominent contributors include academic Niall Ferguson and economist Tyler Cowen.
Strategic Plans
Mr Ellison said the appointment of Ms Weiss as top editorial position was part of a broader campaign to update coverage at Paramount and make CBS the "most credible name in news".
"We are convinced the bulk of the country wants news that is fair and truthful, and we want CBS to be their source," he said.
Further Developments at CBS
Details of the agreement were not disclosed. Paramount declined to comment reports that the firm had paid $150 million in stock and cash.
Mr Ellison made his name as a Hollywood movie maker of hit movies such as Top Gun Maverick, True Grit and World War Z.
He has said his objective is to produce reporting that is more balanced politically, and therefore has the capacity to connect with all audiences.
His purchase of Paramount was authorized by government authorities this season, after the company committed to pay $16 million to conclude a lawsuit.
To obtain consent of the transaction, Mr Ellison agreed to establish an external reviewer at CBS to assess allegations of prejudice and promised to regulators that coverage would include a variety of perspectives.
He also said CBS's established political show "Face the Nation" would discontinue air altered conversations.
Partnership Details
CBS News has a collaborative arrangement with a global news organization, meaning news material including visual material can be exchanged.
In a statement declaring the arrangement, Ms Weiss said she had faith in the Paramount leader and his executive staff.
"They are committing fully because they believe in news. Because they have courage. Because they love this country. And because they recognize, as we do, that America cannot prosper without common facts, agreed principles, and a shared perspective," she commented.